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Hi
I took my first trip to Iceland at the end of May this year for 10 days of bird photography. I won't give you the full breakdown on the trip which I had written about in detail on my Blog . It is an amazing place for bird photography and scenery is off the planet well that's how it feels in some places in the volcanic landscape. We were supposed to be camping but that didn't quite work out so we just booked hotels as we went. This actually worked out well as it meant we were not tied to a place and could try and keep in the better weather and light. It certainly has the right name as it was freezing during our visit after the coldest spring there for decades and we were accompanied by a cold blasting wind wherever we went. I will return at some point as one visit cannot do such an amazing place justice.
Any enough of my ramblings below is a small selection of images taken during the first 5 days. these were all done on foot or from vehicle with no blinds and the basic kit was a 1dx or 7dm2 with a 600mm with and without convertors.
I love the variety and quality of this set Rich. I'm wondering if a few may be processed with a heavy hand, something that I sometimes do. My picks are:
Up close to a resting Black-tailed Godwit
Calling Black-tailed Godwit
Mating Red-necked Phalaropes
Preening Phalarope
and a very tricky flight photo of one of these tiny, high speed waders
Harlequin Duck in some evening sun to finish
When I think of Iceland the stunning scenery comes to mind. Thank you for sharing the stunning birds.
Great stuff...I'm so used to thinking of Iceland as a landscape trip but I'm glad to see that when I do make the trip some time in the future I can do a lot of birding instead which is what I prefer anyways. Now just don't tell my girlfriend that there are birds there....she will only go for the scenery....
These are spectacular, Rich. Really excellent work all around. And what great subjects! Iceland is now near the top of my bucket list. Is summer the best time to go for birds?
Many thanks for your comments. Yes Iceland is a lot more than scenery and an amazing place for a bird photographer to visit.
Eric we deliberately did not go to the two main sea birds colonies on the basis they involved a long drive and we have such good places to photograph puffins etc here in the UK. Guess it was a novelty going to Iceland and not coming back with a single puffin shot 😀
Jim the best time to go is the second half of May and first half June. If you want birds with young then a visit in July would be needed. However, Myvatn which is one of the best bird photography areas may be unpleasant later with flies, as Myvatn translates to 'lake of Midges' and usually lives up to its name.
Cheers
Rich
Aug 23, 2015 at 04:13 AM
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David should you definately go it's superb. If you need any info. to plan your trip just send me a message as always happy to help other photographers.
Many thanks for your comments. My favorite species of the trip were the Great Northern Diver (loons). We get them here occasionally in the winter so it was a real treat to see them in breeding plumage and calling. There will be some photos of them in the post for the second half of the trip 😊
Thanks for sharing this fabulous series.