Red-throated diver

On the Flói Bird Reserve near Eyrarbakki there are a number of ponds amongst the marshes. Each held a single Red-throated diver holding guard. In the grasses there would be another on the nest or tending youngsters. The guard duty seemed to be an easy number, until a large gull or skua flew over and then pandemonium ensued as they took to the air along with the neighbouring Oystercatchers, Snipe and Redshanks in a noisy harassment to see the intruder off their patch.

Extra - gannet flying off the coast in front of a duvet of Eiders.

Sorry about the photo quality - big lens from a long way off.