Bird Cliffs and Hidden Treasures in Northeast Iceland

Wandering along the bird cliffs in northeast Iceland, we were treated to an incredible display of bird life — and the quiet thrill of discovery. Nestled among the stones and moss, we spotted a variety of bird eggs, carefully hidden in plain sight. Among them were the beautifully camouflaged eggs of the European ringed plover and the Arctic tern.

The ringed plover eggs were especially fascinating. Their cryptic coloration — speckled in browns and greys — made them nearly invisible against the rocky ground. It took trained eyes and a lot of patience to spot them. Even more remarkable was the behavior of the adult plovers. As we approached too closely, they performed dramatic distraction displays, feigning injury and fluttering away from the nest to lure us off course. It’s an amazing evolutionary strategy, designed to keep predators (or curious hikers like us) away from their vulnerable young.

Arctic terns, fiercely protective of their nests, circled above us with sharp cries, a reminder of the wild energy of this place. Every step revealed something new — signs of life, resilience, and nature’s subtle defenses. These cliffs hold more than just views — they’re home to stories written in feathers, eggshells, and instinct.