Short trip to Iceland.

We have just got back from a short trip to Iceland. Had a great time and would highly recommend it. It was extremely cold and at times so windy, you could barely stand up,

let alone take photos.

We birded in the SW of Iceland and as only 300,000 people live there we hardly saw anyone when away from the towns. The landscape is breathtaking and we were amazed at the small colourful houses everywhere, just lovely. Hope to go back one day. The only disappointment

was that we didn't see the Northern Lights or get White-tailed Eagle or any of the Auks.

This is a 'not very good' record shot of a Kumlien's Gull.

This Whooper Swan's display paid off in the end.

As you can see the sea was very rough and digi-scoping was nearly impossible, however,

the Harlequin was a lifer for us as was Barrow's Goldeneye.

Have included this shot because it shows the lovely purple sheen to his head.