The "Birding in the North" tour takes us around northern Iceland enabling us to spend quality time around Myvatn (Midge Lake), an unbelievably picturesque geothermal area where we expect to see species such as Harlequin Duck, Barrow's Goldeneye, Gyr Falcon, divers and many more against a backdrop of bubbling mudpools and pseudocraters.

Day 1. Keflavik – Reykjavik – Akureyri

Early morning start from Keflavik (international visitors requested to arrive a day earlier to Iceland). We will have a look at a few wetlands on the Reykjanes peninsula which should yield the first Red-necked Phalaropes of the trip. Other migrants, such as the Ringed Plover, European Golden Plover and drumming Common Snipe, will be conspicuous while the shorelines will have migrating Red Knots, Sanderlings, Dunlins and Purple Sandpipers and of course all will be in splendid summer plumage. The Knots and Sanderling will have passed through by the first week of June. Reykjavik city also offers the chance for some birding especially ponds that include any staging birds. If time allows we will also look for Common Blackbirds and Icelandic Redpolls, otherwise we will quickly connect with a flight to Akureyri from Reykjavik. Night at Akureyri.

Day 2: Akureyri – Myvatn

The morning will be spent around Akureyri. Several pairs of Common Shelducks have recently started breeding in the area while local woodlands hold the also recently established Goldcrest. Surrounding wetlands hold the conspicuous Black-tailed Godwit (the Icelandic race). After lunch we will drive towards lake Mývatn. Arriving at Myvatn in late afternoon will give us a chance to have a quick look at the local specialities, such as the Harlequin Ducks enjoying life on the River Laxá and the Barrow’s Goldeneyes on territories both on the river and lake. Night at Myvatn.

Day 3: Myvatn

The whole day will be used for exploring the lake’s wildlife and landscape. Around 14 species of ducks breed around the lake of which the Barrow’s Goldeneye, Harlequin Duck, Long-tailed Duck and Common Scoter are the most sought-after species. By scanning through the flocks we might stumble on a Ring-necked Duck or American Wigeon which are seen annually in the area. This is also one of the most reliable places for Gyr Falcon that come to the lake’s shore in search of food. In between all those birds we will have a look at hot sulphur springs, lava fields, pseudo-craters and many other interesting geological features! Night at Mývatn.

We will have an early start and drive north-east from Myvatn towards Europe’s largest waterfall Dettifoss. On the way we might encounter several Pink-footed Geese. Nearby we will visit a wonderfully birch wooded canyon. From there we’ll head towards Húsavík where a whalewatching trip will be taken in the afternoon. On the way, Arctic Skuas, Great Skuas and Puffins will be seen in numbers while the occasional Rock Ptarmigan might cross the road. Night at Husavik.

Day 5: Husavik – Akureyri – Reykjavik - Þingvellir

We will drive in the morning to Akureyri where a flight will be taken to Reykjavík. Afternoon will be spent at Þingvellir National Park. This fabulous geological and historic site is well worth the visit. It is here that the Atlantic rift separates North America and Europe. This place is a good spot to observe breeding Great Northern Divers. Night at Reykjavik.

Day 6: Reykjavik - Keflavik

A midday flight from Keflavik gives us only the morning to do some birding before going to the airport. We will have a quick look for Common Blackbirds and Icelandic Redpolls in the city before leaving towards the Reykjanes peninsula if those birds haven’t been spotted earlier in the trip.

We will concentrate on good birding spots near the airport which should produce late Iceland Gulls and the trip’s only Manx Shearwaters and we might even see Minke Whale and White-beaked Dolphins from land.