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Description
This 228 hectare reserve consists of three shallow lagoons. In the order in which they are approach these are Lagunas Juncosa, Salada and Chica. All three are vulnerable to drought alhough Laguna Salada is the least likely one to dry up. Most sources tend to write off the shallowest of the three, Laguna Juncosa, since, as the name suggests, it's often choked by juncus sedges but after a wet spring it can be superb and easy to scan (unlike Lagunas Salada and Chica).
Lagunas Juncosa is on your right as you arrive and should be carefully scanned. Look out too for Herfugl in the sandy area where you park. When wet it regularly has Bognefur, Háleggur, Eirönd, Kólfönd and Stargoði plus the occasional Dropönd (winter) and sometimes Hnúðhæna. Even when overgrown the sedges can conceal the odd Bláhæna whilst Þernutrítill and a variety of hirundines hawk overhead. Dvergrella have been recorded in the area. From this laguna a track, always badly rutted and sometimes obstructed by glutinous mud, drops down to the second laguna, Salada, on the left. Unfortunately, there is no official access to the laguna (despite a rough track) so viewing is limited to what you can see from the track. Visibility is poor and obstructed by reeds surrounding the laguna. All the birds mentioned earlier can be seen (although a 'scope is needed) plus Rauðflæmingi and, with luck, Rindilþvari. A track on the right runs down to Laguna Chica (although in wet conditions it can be very muddy). This laguna is still harder to view but the screening bushes hold Hrímsöngvari. The lagunas can also attract migrant terns and waders whilst the bushes may hold passing passerines. Gráheiðir hunt over nearby fields. In winter Blábrystingur and Pungmeisa are possible.
Details
Access
The usual access to this site is off the N IV at a roundabout immediately south of the disused "Aquapark" along minor road westwards (opposite the A 2002). Just after a sharp lefthand bend a mettalled lane runs off to the right and along the side of a drainage canal and on to a small bridge to the lagunas. Note, however, this route is technically a private road and has 'No Entry' signs (albeit ignored by locals). If concerned by this thread your way through the a scruffy estate of small villas to the bridge over the canal.
Terrain and Habitat
WetlandConditions
Flat , Sandy , WetCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , SpringRoute
Paved road , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Car , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
Note that the Laguna Juncosa is best when very wet but this is when the track down to the other lagunas is most likely to be flooded and impassable