Iceland Bird Colonies

The first and third photos are ATLANTIC PUFFINS. As we approached the Puffins, everyone crowded the viewing area. I took these photos by extending my arms as high as they would go and holding the camera toward the viewing area, hoping there would be a Puffin in the photo. With 4 million in the area, I thought the chances were good that I would find one. The link above will take you to more Puffin photos.

To view a video about ICELANDIC PUFFINS, click here.

 

When baby Puffins leave their nests for the first time, they will often head towards the lights of the nearest town. The local children rescue the puffins and help them find their way back to sea. I enjoy this video of the Wrong Way Puffins.

 

 

Click on the photo for a closer view.

 

To see a more comprehensive view of Icelandic birds, please click this link.

In Search of Puffins

Somehow, the word got out amongst my friends on board ship, that I was very fond of puffins. It was only logical that a few of us would go by boat to the islands west of Stykkishólmur in search of the interesting creatures.

 

A visit to these islands is reward enough. The fantastic Icelandic skies make up for lack of vegetation.

 

Unusual rock formations.

 

Many islands provide nesting places for a variety of bird life.

 

Quiet home in the islands.

Leaving Nanortalik for Grundarfjordur, Iceland (July 20, 2010)

The Ocean Princess was waiting for us. This would be the start of a 3-day journey to southeastern Iceland. We were eager to return.

 

Note the icebergs in the background.

 

 

As we approached Grundarfjordur, we were joined by hundreds of seagulls. (I think word had gotten out about our great chef!)

 

As we made our way to Stykkishólmur the Ocean Princess waited in the harbor.

Nanortalik, Greenland -- More Village Life

 

 

 

 

Nanortalik, Greenland -- More Scenes

As the shuttles from ships arrive in the Nanortalik harbor, passengers discover that it is a short walk to the center of town. Immediately on the right is a tourist office window. A very pleasant local tourism person is there to give town information to visitors. Adjacent to this small office is a tourism gift shop (and toilets). This is a very popular shop. The tourism people posted a sign which said that for $5 USD one could go on a 20 minute tour around town. Most cruise passengers were bypassing this opportunity. I took the tour in a 7 passenger van (which was very well-conducted and lasted 40 minutes).

 

When we asked the guide how the children got to primary school, we were told that they arrive by helicopter and boat. These are the only means of accessing Nanortalik. When the students arrive, they remain for the entire school year, returning home after several months. They are housed, fed, and given their studies by local educators. Nearby is a hospital which is staffed by Danish doctors and local nurses. The needs of the townspeople are heavily subsidized by the Danish government.

 

Hotel Kap-Farvel is near both the hospital and school.

 

This is the town's recreation area.

 

Residential area.

Scenes from Nanortalik, Greenland

Since I am unable to visit Nanortalik at this time of year (Winter), I couldn't resist the temptation to show you this Wikipedia photo which gives a wonderful perspective of the layout of the 10th largest town in Greenland with a population of just over 1400 persons. Nanortalik means "place of polar bears" although the locals tell us that very seldom do they see polar bears. (All other photos were taken by me in July 2010.)

 

Typical home, facing the harbor.

 

Terrain at town level.

 

Memorial to fishermen.

 

The ever-present summer ice, floating in the harbor and fjords.

Approaching Nanortalik, Greenland

Nanortalik is a small town near the southernmost part of Greenland. Many of the locals depend on fishing for a living. This can be quite a challenge when the harbor freezes over in the winter. Fishing for trout is popular here. You can watch the fishing technique on the 2nd of two videos if you click here.

 

 

 

 

Nanortalik's historic village as seen from the sea.