Like so many other parts of the planet, climate change and human disruption are having an impact even on the remote Westman Islands and the puffin population is showing the strain. Iceland is home to around half of all the world’s puffins. Those visiting during the winter will still be able to see puffins living in captivity. Even the predatory Arctic foxes are unable to reach their cliffsides nests, providing the freedom that has bolstered bird populations in the area for decades. Guided tours are offered twice daily at the location during the summer. Over half of the worlds population of the Atlantic Puffin breeds in Iceland. Read on to find out how to see Atlantic Puffins during your trip to Iceland. Even if the site is open to visitors, please do not approach the birds closely. You can often see these birds soaring past, or bobbing by, as you take the Sæfari ferry from Dalvik. Iceland is home to some of the most amazing bird life, and a nesting site for the largest puffin colony in the world. Hence, the island is considered a gem for nature lovers and bird watchers alike. In 2018, BirdLife International declared the Atlantic puffin in danger of extinction. There are four species of Puffin, though only the Atlantic variety travels to Iceland. Read more: Most of Iceland’s seabird populations are in dire trouble and have been for years They arrive in Iceland in late-April or May and stick around until late August. Farne Island puffin population drop sparks concern. Foreign objects left behind by visitors may be mistaken for food, which again, is liable to hurt the birds. Breathing in the refreshing sea air, surrounded by grasslands and ancient cliffs, Ingólfshöfð is Icelandic nature at its finest. They are, however, considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of nature. Enthusiastic photographers will jump at the chance to capture both landscape and wildlife pictures while at Dyrhólaey. All Rights Reserved. The ground is often very unstable close to the edges of the cliffs where the puffins dig their burrows. What makes the puffin special is the colourful, flat-sided beak. Flatey is a stunning little island found in Breiðafjörður, between the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the Westfjords. Their rough and tumble landings only add to their reputation as being somewhat clumsy aviators. But, this also makes this spot more dangerous than some of the other spots we have mentioned. These can be undertaken from land or sea, with both tour options revealing new sides of Iceland’s landscapes. Two bad years. Over half of the world’s population of Atlantic puffins breeds in Iceland, or some 8-10 million birds. The Atlantic Puffin is most commonly found on the Westman Islands, Iceland. Petting or feeding a puffin is the worst things you can do to them. Even counting those caught on the Westman Islands’ cliffs sides by hunters wielding large nets—an activity known as “Sky Fishing”—there are still 10 to 15 million puffins that live in Iceland each year. (2 km) from the nature reserve, you will see the signs from the Ring Road once you are there. A team of biologists is currently travelling around Iceland to conduct a population count. Littering also ruins the Icelandic landscape for other visitors and should be considered a high moral crime while exploring the country. It breeds in the North Atlantic and the adjacent Arctic Ocean, with strongholds in Iceland and Norway, with around 10% of the population breeding around Britain and Ireland, where it … Jennifer Adler An adult puffin in Iceland flies with a fish in its mouth. Because Puffins are quick flyers, you will need to keep a fast shutter speed on your camera settings. Iceland’s tourist boom has seen the emergence of “taste of Iceland” menus featuring palatable and (to tourists) exotic foods, like cute, colourful bird that has become the mascot of the boom: the Atlantic puffin. When in flight, things are often more complicated. Make sure to leave the area clean. A flock of puffins near their burrows at the edge of the cliff. These small, beautiful penguin-like birds spend autumn and winter out on the open sea but fly back to shore in late April to breed. The Atlantic puffin is a seabird from the auk family. There are 3 Puffin species in the world: The Tufted and Horned Puffins of the Pacific Ocean and our Atlantic Puffin. Those looking for a more personal experience can also take a walking tour on the island. Puffins don't always nest on the island on which they were born. The nature reserve can only be accessed by first taking a boat and then exploring on foot. There are domestic flights to the Westman Islands all through the summer, departing from Reykjavík airport, and public ferries from Landeyjahöfn, a lonely harbor which lies near Hvolsvöllur and Seljalandsfoss on the South Coast. The island is circled by high cliff sides that make perfect summer homes for migrating puffins. These birds here trust humans more than in other places, perhaps because they don’t meet many humans and have been pestered by them less. Flatey is best known for being home to Iceland's oldest library and a large population of puffin birds. Now considered an unofficial icon of Iceland, the birds have been crucial to life here for centuries as a food source. Iceland’s largest puffin colony, with over 1.1 million birds, lives in the Westman Islands, just 6.2 mi. Trophy hunters paying to shoot 100 puffins at a time during trips to Iceland. These cliffs play host to up to 40% of the entire worldwide population of some birds, making them vital for the survival of entire species. Boats used specifically for puffin tours are often small vessels with quiet motors so as not to disturb the nesting birdlife. Entertainment guaranteed! Discover when to travel for the best value for money. They will return to this same burrow every year. Underwood said puffin populations are still declining. Here, their population has declined from more than 7 million to 5.4 million. Below, we have listed some of the most highly praised locations for Puffin watching in the country. Counting puffins. The ability to see so many different types of birds in one spot is highly unusual. Aside from clothing, handy field guides can often be purchased from Visitors Centres around the island. Jennifer Adler An adult puffin in Iceland flies with a fish in its mouth. When is the best time and where are the best places to find puffins in Iceland? This trend has caused some concern among conservationists since pufflings have less chance of survival in colder temperatures. The Breiðafjörður area is also home to whales and dolphins, so make sure to keep a lookout from the ferry deck. However, in recent years global warming might be leading to a mismatch between these little birds and their food resources. The Atlantic Puffins at Látrabjarg show hardly any fear of humans. Even though it is quite a long drive to Borgarfjörður, it is probably the place where you will be able to see the puffins with most ease and safety. It’s recommended to add further accessories, including gloves, scarves and a woolly hat. Iceland is home to over half of the world’s Atlantic puffin population, with colonies found everywhere—from the rugged sea cliffs in the south to the remote islands of the Westfjords. 24 May 2018. image copyright PA. image caption Puffins are known as the "clowns of the sea" due to their colourful beaks. Puffins are sometimes referred to as “Sea Parrots” or “Clowns of the Sea.” About 60% of the world’s Puffin population live on or near Iceland. Aside from that, the scenery is incredibly dramatic and unhampered by modern infrastructure, creating a lush paradise at the edge of the world. It is an isolated headland surrounded by black sand dunes. Both the male and female puffins share responsibility, taking turns to incubate the egg. Iceland is the world's puffin capital for sure! For clarity, the Puffin is actually the official bird of the Canadian province, Newfoundland and Labrador. Although numbers have been sadly declining in recent years, it is estimated that over 5 million Atlantic puffins nest in Iceland each year during the spring and summer months. Sign up and let us help you discover the best spots, activities and hidden gems of Iceland! Althoug… Highlights The birds are at sea for eight months a year but we would be there bang in the middle of puffin season in Iceland. There are fantastic 2-3 km hiking trails at Ingólfshöfði, many of which can be walked as part of a guided tour of the area. The island is just 1.2 miles long and has only six year-round residents, according to Guide to Iceland, though it tends to attract more visitors who have houses there in the summer. If you have snacks on hand, make sure to keep them to yourself. Dedicated twitchers can better adapt to bird watching with visionary enhancement equipment like binoculars and telescopes. The male Atlantic puffin builds the nest and exhibits strong nest-site fidelity. Approximately 5.7-7.3 million pairs of Puffins breed in Europe. This sentiment goes equally for at home as it does abroad. A network of tunnels is hidden below the grassy turf where the puffins have dug tunnels for their eggs. An island and archipelago of approximately 5,000 people, and the largest puffin colony in Iceland. Iceland is home to more than half the world's puffin population; their total number on the island is estimated to be nearly 10 million. Puffins help to make up the 1,000,000 birds that congregate on Grímsey each season. It usually takes from 36-45 days for the baby puffling to hatch. Every summer, this gorgeous little isle is taken over with tens of thousands of nesting puffins, some of which fly over Reykjavik during their stay. Whales are among the most enigmatic and fascinating creatures on our planet. Total Puffin population size was estimated using a standardised protocol of synchronized island-wide counts of all adults visible on land, in the air and on the sea within 200m of the shore, between 16:00 and 20:00 on calm, dry days in the pre-laying period (late April) in 1986, 1989, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2009 and 2012 [69, 70]. – Website by Heron², SEO by Arctic Meta. Spring or Autumn? Puffins separate from one another during their time spent out at sea. At the end of the breeding season, their feathers will change color from white to dark grey. Win! Puffin tours run from Reykjavik along Iceland’s south coast, or Husavik on Iceland’s north coast. Due to the lack of cement roads in the region, much of this journey will be on rough backroads. Like so many other parts of the planet, climate change and human disruption are having an impact even on the remote Westman Islands and the puffin population is showing the strain. Norway has the next largest Atlantic Puffin population, with several large colonies. That’s an insane amount of birds in one place. About 2,5 hours drive from Reykjavík, near the village of Vík, lies the famous black sand beach which is one of the highlights of South Iceland. The islanders are famous for their working relationship with another bird species; the Eider Duck. Der Papageitaucher (Fratercula arctica) – auch Papageientaucher oder Puffin genannt – ist eine Vogelart aus der Familie der Alkenvögel (Alcidae). Over the years, population numbers have been dropping drastically. Every summer, these islands are bursting with a flourishing bird population. Atlantic Puffins are instantly recognisable thanks to their colourful bills, reminiscent of cockatoos or penguins. Iceland is home to one of the world's largest colonies of puffins Over half of the world´s population of the Atlantic Puffin breeds in Iceland, somewhere between 3 - 4 million pairs each year. Do not skip the possibility of meeting these cute animals but enjoy the moment responsibly once you are there! Puffin tours by boat in Iceland are a popular choice, adding a touch of adventure to the experience. This interactive online map has been tracking puffin sightings since 2015. Puffin numbers have not been higher in the Westman Islands since record-keeping began in 2007, RÚV reports. (Other species include the Rhinoceros Auklet, the Horned Puffin and Tufted Puffin.) There are four species of Puffin, though only the Atlantic variety travels to Iceland. (Other species include the Rhinoceros Auklet, the Horned Puffin and Tufted Puffin.) The Westman Islands, which host the world’s largest puffin colony, are a haven for the country’s iconic birds. Icelandic waters are some of their favorite areas to live, thanks to the advantageous location and natural assets. Finally, sharing your experience with friends is a great way to spread the word about how special Atlantic Puffins really are. Today, the Atlantic puffins in most countries are protected by law. This is so you don’t disturb the natural equilibrium of their environment. With 8 to 10 million puffins inhabiting the island, Iceland is home for more than 60% of the world’s entire Atlantic puffin population. The Atlantic puffin breeds in Iceland, Norway, Greenland, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and the Faroe Islands, and as far south as Maine in the west and parts of Great Britain in the east. Their curious behaviors and unique appearance are a couple of the reason we are drawn to Iceland to catch a glimpse. Iceland tour operator seeks to raise awareness about the threats faced by puffins. So, please take care if you visit Látrabjarg and do not get too close to the edges, for your own safety and for the safety of the puffins. A stunning headland, Cape Ingólfshöfði is found partway between Jökulsárlón lagoon and Skaftafell reserve in Vatnajökull National Park. The light evenings help people unwind from the long Icelandic days and it’s one of the best times to visit the land of fire and ice! Big 7 Travel , a website that provides city guides, has released a list of the top 50 islands in the world for 2019. The junior puffins find themselves distracted by the city lights and end up on the asphalt or in gardens. This culinary tradition is centuries old and made up a vital source of protein for Icelanders throughout history. Due to overhunting, Iceland’s largest puffin colony in the Westman Islands was almost completely eradicated around the year 1900. Puffins are now an endangered species, and important populations in Iceland are disappearing. Another island nearby equally known for its Puffins is Akurey. Your vessel will come equipped with binoculars, allowing you a better view of these delightful winged critters. Iceland is the home to one of the world's largest colonies of puffins. If you’re in the Westfjords why not take the opportunity to sail out to Vigur Island and visit the puffins there. Viktoria is a restless adventurer with personal experience in all of the outdoor activities that Iceland has to offer. During early August to September, children stay out late to patrol the streets, shoebox in hand, in search of puffins hoping to be rescued. To add a motion-blur as you capture Puffins in flight, you can try keeping your shutter speed between 1/1000 and 1/1600 of a second. Visitors are especially recommended to visit the Stórhöfði lookout, which promises excellent views of puffins. While the island only has one human family as permanent residents, the island is the home of around 100.000 puffin couples that come back there every year to lay their eggs. The Westman Islands are otherwise known as the Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago. With their orange legs, striped colorful beak, and black and white plumage, these small birds are adorably cute. Getting the puffin chicks to the island was no easy task. Uniquely in the world, you have a more than 90% chance of seeing whales around Iceland! Thanks to the Midnight Sun in summer, there is plenty of light in your days (and nights) seeking out the best Puffin photograph you can. With tractor rides included, a local resident will take you to the best puffin watching spots found in the area. Finally, you could support a wildlife charity with financial donations. Please always show the birds respect and remember that they are wild animals, not pets. The birds spread out across the North Atlantic Ocean, coming ashore in spring only to breed and raise their young. Thankfully, their new role as the island’s most recognisable mascot attracts thousands of visitors a year. They are best spotted at their nests in early mornings or evening. The bird watching spot is not accessible for those who drive a normal car. Some even say the bird could be extinct within the next hundred years if dramatic steps are not taken. All the same, the Icelandic government is currently reviewing laws regarding the hunting of puffins, with results expected in spring 2020. Dyrhólaey is a massive stone arch surrounded by a black sand beach. It is the most numerous bird in Iceland, with a population estimated at 8-13 million individuals and a breeding population … Pufflings often need rescuing after their first attempt at flight fails. Population size. The Atlantic puffin is the most instantly recognisable and popular of all North Atlantic seabirds. These bird cliffs are 8.75 mi. Iceland is the world's puffin capital for sure! Copyright © 2020 Traveo Ehf. is a travel writer from England who now lives in Reykjavík, Iceland. Of course, summer visitors will hardly find themselves alone when standing on the heights of Dyrhólaey. There are a number of places on the island where plenty of Atlantic puffins can be seen. Come along as we show you the best place to see puffins in Iceland! They can dive to depths of about 197 ft. (60 m) and can propel themselves through the water at 55 mph (88 km/h). Every five years, the island rangers undertake a full puffin census to count these comical seabirds. The operation is run by volunteers (the ‘Puffin Patrol’) who are passionate about conserving Iceland’s birdlife. Even though the seabirds seem plentiful, the country's puffin population has been declining dramatically. Visitors hoping to see these little birds by foot can expect to enjoy long hiking trails surrounded by the most dramatic aspects of the island’s nature; its ancient sea cliffs, black sand shorelines and surrounding mountainscapes. Check out Extreme Iceland's tips on the best times to visit Iceland. Giving any bird food that they are not used to threatens to damage their digestive systems, as well as instil bad habits. Also known as the common puffin, the species has breeding grounds all over the Arctic Circle and the North Atlantic. A single bird will have up to a square kilometre of the ocean to itself, where they spend around 2-3 years bobbing amidst the waves before returning to congregate with others. Serious problems that still require solutions include overfishing and pollution. To half of the Hornstrandir nature reserve, are easily accessible by car this also makes this more! 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