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Mr. C. Barnby Smith,



One of the old birds greatly resented our approach, and

with loud shrieks and repeated divings, tried to lure us away.


When we left the islet and took to our boat the bird kept

repeatedly diving and coming up fairly near the boat (but always

further away from the islet) and gave us grand opportunities for

observation, though we never managed to find any young birds.


The Red-necked Phalarope is to my mind one of the most

interesting birds to be seen, and it is in certain districts quite

common. I have often watched these birds with much interest

when they were flitting about on the edge of lake or stream, or

(as they are very fond of doing) riding on the water whilst

picking up insects that fell from the overhanging banks. On one

occasion my guide actually caught one in my landing net. This

bird was possibly a young bird though it looked full grown.

These Phalaropes will often rest on the water without showing

the least alarm whilst a large trout fly is repeatedly thrown close

to the spot. I have'never seen a nest and should much like

to find one.


The most noticeable bird to the casual observer is the

Whimbrel. These birds swarm on the moors near the sea in the

summer and their weird cry “ tetty-tetty-tetty-tetty-tet ” accom¬

panies one everywhere. They are very wary however. If some

enterprising member of the Avicultural Societ}' would solve the

problem as to how to keep these birds in health when in

captivity, we should many of us, I feel sure, be grateful.


I am told that the Curlew does not breed in Iceland which

seems strange as it is apparently a most suitable country.


I suppose most people going to Iceland for the first time

expect to see Eider Duck everywhere. They will probably be

disappointed as these birds move off their breeding haunts early

in the season, and though the islands of “Engey ” and “ Videy”

in Reykjavik Bay are full of Eider Duck in the Icelandic spring,

there are comparatively few birds to be seen there later in the

season.


Other Ducks in endless variety are common where there is

water for them. The one that I have found most interesting is

the Harlequin Duck. As soon as the ducks nest the drakes pack

together for some considerable time and form a very striking



