Bird Photography May 15–25 2013 with David Hemmings and Iurie Belegurschi / Tim Vollmer 

Species: Barrow’s Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Red-necked Phalarope and Horned Grebe. Physical Activity Level: Basic –Intermediate

This tour is guided with expert guide Tim Vollmer/Iurie Belegurschi . ICELAND is a bird photographer’s paradise. Although there are only about 75 bird species that breed in the country many of them breed in extraordinary numbers or are species that are difficult to photograph in other parts of the world. This is a unique opportunity to travel and photograph with one of Iceland’s most experienced bird photographers in a country that borders the Arctic Circle and receives about 22 hours of daylight at this time of the year. Photography in Iceland during the summer can be hard work and challenging, but great fun and very rewarding. It is an adventure unlike any other!

Waterfowl: Iceland is a spectacular destination for photographing waterfowl. During our first four days at Lake Myvatn we will photograph at least a dozen different species including Barrow’s Goldeneye, Long-tailed Duck, Scaup, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Red-necked Phalarope and Horned Grebe. Nearby the hotel there is a pair of breeding Common Loon (Great Northern Diver) and on Rive Laxa we’ll be photographing Harlequin Ducks. Shorebirds: The Southern coast of Iceland near Reykjavik is a superb place to see and shoot shorebirds. The species we will likely encounter and shoot at this time of year include Black- Tailed Godwits, Whimbrels, Golden Plovers and Dunlins. Digital Workshops: Participate in the image evening review sessions and talk about techniques.

Day 1-Arrival Keflavik airport At Keflavík, the professional photographer and local guide, will meet the group. We leave the airport and drive through the lava fields to our hotel in Reykjavík. Dinner and overnight in Reykjavík.

Day 2 – Reykjavík – Mývatn lake We start the morning to drive along the main road through the country side to Mývatn. Stop on the way at interesting places like Skagafjörður, Akureyri and Goðafoss waterfall. Overnight in Mývatn.

Days 3&4 – Mývatn Mývatn is a shallow lake situated in an area of active volcanism. The lake and its surrounding wetlands have an exceptionally rich fauna of waterbirds especially ducks. The lake was created by a large basaltic lava eruption 2300 years ago, and the surrounding landscape is dominated by volcanic landforms. “Birdwatching in Myvatn region is a major attraction. Lake Mývatn is famous for its birdlife, as the high abundance of aquatic insects attract large amounts of ducks and other waterbirds during the summer. These include both Eurasian and North American species, including Barrow’s Goldeneye, Greater Scaup, Tufted Duck and Harlequin ducks. Actually, Lake Mývatn hosts more duck species than any other place in the world. Over 115 bird species can be seen in Myvatn region. Most of these are migratory, but some also overwinter in the lake. Lake Mývatn, River Laxá, and the adjacent marshland areas are protected as a nature reserve. Visit to Sigurgeir´s bird museum at Myvatn lake is a good addition to the tour. “ After visiting the museum, go outside and try to find the birds in their natural habitat. You can record what you see on the checklist and then hand in your sightings at the museum” Overnight at a guesthouse Mývatn area.

Day 5 Option is to stay one night near Húsavík town at Kaldbaks lake. “The cottages at Kaldbakur are situated close to a lake that is an outfall from the geothermal electricity plant which supplies Husavik with electricity.

Day 6 – Húsavík-Tjörnes-Ásbyrgi-Hljóðaklettar-Dettifoss-Möðrudalur Drive from Mývatn the “Diamond ring road” Ásbyrgi is undoubtedly one of Icelands most beloved nature pearls, an enclosed canyon. The enclosure is about 3.5 km long and 1.1 km wide, surrounded by cliffs which reach as high as 100 m. According to legend, the horse of Óðinn, the chief god of Norse mythology, stepped down here leaving its giant hoof print. The Hljóðaklettar outcrops are the cores of ancient volcanoes, revealed when the river swept away all the loose volcanic material. Dettifoss is Iceland’s greatest and most majestic waterfall. It is also rated as Europe’s most powerful waterfall, based on its magnitude. Overnight at a guesthouse Mývatn area.

Day 7 – Mývatn – Námaskarð -Dimmuborgir – Hverfjall – The Nature baths – Grjótagjá – Stóragjá Námaskarð, Mine Pass, is a myriad of hot mud springs in widely different colours. An option is to go to Húsavík town in the evening for a whale watching tour. Dimmuborgir (Dark Castles) a volcanic rock formations to the east of lake Myvatn. The area is characterised by numerous forms of mystery and imagination, carved in lava. It´s a Mt. Hverfjall (Hverfell) is a beautifully formed 2500 years old tephra crater. The crater is about 1 km in diameter and 140 meters deep. The round shape of the crater is disrupted by a landslide that occurred at the south edge of the crater during the eruption.natural wonder which no one visiting the area should pass by. Overnight at a guesthouse Mývatn area

Day 8 – Mývatn area.‘ More birdwatching in the Mývatn area. Overnight at a guesthouse Mývatn area

Day 9 – Return to Reykjavík‘ Stop on the way at interesting places. Overnight at a guesthouse Reykjavík.

Day 9 – Departure from Iceland‘ Transfer from hotel/guesthouse to Keflavik airport.

Price: $ 6,795.00

Single supplement: $ 800

Included :