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/villageConditions
FlatCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter, SpringRoute
Paved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot, Bicycle, WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoBirdingplaces Near
South of the lake, several wetland reserves are located in which one of them Arctic Tern breeds.
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