Wasn't looking forward to an 8-hour layover in Iceland until I remembered I was a birder (1 Viewer)

[greenfinch012]

In early December I am landing in Keflavik at 10AM and taking a 5:45PM flight out. I generally do not enjoy air travels and even less layovers, and was wearily debating if I should even leave the airport for just a couple of hours in Reykjavik until I remembered that I was a birder and this could be my ARCTIC BIRD JACKPOT.

I've been excitedly checking eBird, Merlin, this forum, and some online sources for birding (e.g. Bird Watching) not too far from the airport (within ~30m travel).

Based on what little I've gleaned so far I'm hoping to see some Icelandic Gulls, Ruddy Turnstones, Common Loons, and Long-tailed Ducks. It will be also cool to see Harlequin Ducks, Black Guillemots and Purple Sandpipers, but I'm trying to stay calm at this sudden good fortune and not count my birds before they are sighted. Any tips and suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[Rob Hunt]

I visited Iceland in November 2021. At Hafnir which is very close to the airport saw Harlequins, both Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, Black Guillemots, Purple Sandpiper, Turnstones, Snow Buntings and Eider. Saw Long-tailed Ducks at nearby Garour.

 

[Something Fishy]

The Gardur lighthouse is 10 minutes from the airport and a phenomenal place for seabirds and waders.