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Description
Few places combine accessibility and action so well as Bakkatjörn. While Bakkatjörn is a fruitful location year round, it is its position as migration hotspot that has given its status as legendary birding place amongst Icelanders. During spring and autumn, the shallow pond becomes a staging ground for shorebirds at high tide, alongside ducks, gulls, geese and swans. In winter, Лебедь-кликун, Серый гусь and gulls like Бургомистр , Полярная чайка , Озерная чайка and Сизая чайка can be observed as they wait for neighbourhood bird feeders. The freeze-thaw rhythm of the pond even works as a seasonal clock: when it melts, migration is already underway; when it freezes, winter has settled in. Bakkatjörn pond is also teeming with life in summertime. Пеганка, Кулик-сорока, Краснозобая гагара, Большой веретенник, Полярная крачка, Обыкновенная гага, Лебедь-кликун and Луговой конёк are expected breeding birds.
The site is one of the most important nesting grounds of Полярная крачка in the capital region. The immediate habitats connected to Bakkatjörn, such as the coastlines of Seltjörn (W) and Bakkavík (S) offer good alternative birding places when the tide is low and/or if the pond is empty. In addition to this, Bakkatjörn has hosted its share of headline rarities over the years., including nearctic waders, gulls and ducks. Visitors are asked to avoid walking too close to the pond, to bird from the car when driving along the southern edge, and to keep dogs on leashes during breeding season.
Details
Access
Bus stops, bike paths and parking are all nearby, and the wooden hide on the western side allows for comfortable viewing in almost any weather. Located within a walking distance (5 km) from the centre of Reykjavik, it it also reachable by foot. You can park your car at the parking lot on Suðurströnd street. Click on the P in the map for directions.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Beach , Lake , Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Moors/heathland , Dunes , SeaConditions
Sandy , Hilly , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , Car , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
You can combine visiting this spot with a stay in Reykjavik (which gives you birding opportunities of spending time at Lake Tjörnin or cruising the bay - both spots are already described separately). Please note that the seashore and beaches are also worth exploring on foot in the nearby areas.