It’s time of the year when birdwatchers and photographers keep their eyes peeled. This is because unusual birds appear on their migratory routes in Iceland.
About 75 species of birds nest regularly on the island, but more than 400 species have been spotted here since the records were kept. Most of them are migrating birds – travelers visiting here on their way south.
Two representatives of such species have recently been observed. One of them is the chestnut ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) spotted in Njarðvík, a short distance from Keflavík International Airport. The second is the golden warbler (Setophaga petechia), which honors the inhabitants of Þorlákshöfn in southwest Iceland with its presence.
The chestnut ibis is found on almost all continents (except Antarctica). It was also registered in Poland, mainly in southern Poland.
The golden warbler occurs only on American continents, and nests from the Arctic Circle to Mexico.
How these two species ended up in Iceland is unknown, but Morgunblaðið says tropical hurricane Larry may have helped them.
Source: Yle