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Lake Tjörnin

Reykjavik  >  Iceland

A lake within the city of Reykjavik: a great place to observe waterbirds in the city!

Added* by Bas Engels
Most recent update 12 February 2020

Description

Lake Tjörnin is located just north of Reykjavik Airport and is a fairly large pond within the city of Reykjavik. It's a great place for observing many species of waterbird, like swans, geese, gulls and waders. In winter, the lake is frozen and most waterbirds, being mainly swans, geese and ducks, are concentrated near the edges of the lake were they are fed by people.

Most common species that can be observed here are Whooper Swan, Pink-footed Goose, Eurasian Wigeon, Tufted Duck and even species like Common Eider, Red-breasted Merganser and Greater Scaup. Often, large flocks of gulls are present too, being mostly Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull (in summer), Iceland Gull, Glaucous Gull and Great Black-backed Gull.

Within the lake, a small island is located on which (at least) five species of duck breed: Mallard, Common Teal, Gadwall, Greater Scaup and Tufted Duck.

In summer, this pond is also a great place to observe Arctic Tern. They breed in the Vatnsmýrin wetland preserve, which is just south of the lake and definitely worth a visit.

Details

Access

The area is easy accessable due to the pathways around the lake.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Lake , City/village

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Winter , Spring

Route

Paved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

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