Unusually large number of common mergansers spotted at Tjörnin
An unusually large number of common common mergansers have been spotted at Tjörnin, Reykjavík's city pond, in recent days. Scientists have monitored birdlife at Tjörnin for decades, and this is the highest number ever recorded in local bird counts. As many as 25 birds have been observed in the Vatnsmýri wetland area over recent weeks.
Common mergansers are classified as diving ducks and typically feed on sand eels and juvenile salmonids. These large birds weigh around 1.5 kg, making them the largest freshwater ducks in Iceland.
Common mergansers are on the red list and classified as a near-threatened species. During the winter, the common merganser population at the mouths of Grafarvogur and Elliðavogur is considered internationally significant, and a portion of the species winters in and around the capital area.
This is a perfect opportunity to head down to Tjörnin and enjoy watching these beautiful birds up close. The birds tend to gather in the southern part of the pond, near the bridge over Skothúsvegur.
