BIRDS OF SKJÁLFANDI
With their long and narrow wings, they are the biggest sea birds of our northern hemisphere. A fully grown northern gannet reaches a wingspan of 1 meter and 80 centimeters long. They have a streamlined body shape adapted for plunge-diving at extremely high speed (up to 100 km/h). They can be seen here in the bay while foraging for food away from their colony. In Skjálfandi Bay, these magnificent birds are often seen on their own or in small groups of less than five individuals patrolling the area.
Much smaller than the northern gannet, Atlantic puffin have a wingspan of about 50 centimeters and are diver experts. They use their wings as « paddles » underwater to forage mostly on small tiny fish called sand eels. In the east part of Skjálfandi Bay, Lundey (Puffin Island) has one of the biggest and healthiest Icelandic population of Atlantic puffin. Scientists estimate the population size to be around 80 000 individuals. Thousands of them are often seen flying around the island. In the middle of the bay, big groups are seen flying close to the water surface and on the waves while foraging. This species is considered as « Vulnerable » by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is highly susceptible of the impact of climate change such as sea temperature rise and prey distribution and abundance.
Puffins are not the only bird species of the Alcidae family we find in the bay. Other pelagic birds such as the razorbills, common guillemot and black guillemot can be seen out at sea resting on the waves and feeding during the summer time. Other bird species seen regularly: Northern fulmar, arctic tern, arctic skua, and black-legged kittiwake.
Join one of our tours to observe the pristine wildlife of Iceland!
-Clément (Guide)
Photos: Clément Brun
One of thousands of the adorable Atlantic puffins in the bay.
A beautiful shot of a razorbill flying over Skjálfandi
The majestic northern gannet.