Djúpivogur might be an interesting choice for birdwatchers because there you can experience unspoiled nature where you can see the bulk of Icelandic birds in their natural environment without difficulties such as long walks or extra travelling.  Mammals such as seals and reindeer can also be seen there frequently.  Some areas around Djúpivogur have international denotation and they have to be protected.

Birdlife around Djúpivogur has great variety and so has the landscape of the area.  Three different fjords are there, Berufjordur, Hamarsfjordur and Alftafjordur.  The village of Djupivogur is located between Berufjordur and Hamarsfjordur.  Valleys, separated by mountains, stretch up from the fjords.  The variety of the nature around Djupivogur is great and plays its part in the variety of bird and wildlife in the area.

Let’s not forget Papey.  It has been regarded and documented as a Precious Natural resource since such documentation began in 1975.  It is also listed as an important bird area (IBA) by Birdlife international (see www.birdlife.org ).  The island is 2 km2 and it is a bit marshy, which makes the island different from other islands around Iceland.  As in most other islands, seabirds are very common in Papey and an estimate of 30.000 pairs of puffins come there for breeding.  Guided tours run to the island during the summertime.

Alftafjordur and Hamarsfjordur are important stopovers for birds like common eider, common scoter and many species of ducks and grallatores.  Up to 3600 black-tailed godwits have been seen there at the same time. The black-tailed godwits have been studied and marked for many years and that area is therefore very important.  It is also listed as an IBA by Birdlife international.

Marsh, ponds and beaches near Djupivogur are ideal for breeding and many species can be found there.  Ducks like shelduck and shoveler breed there and also birds like slavoninan grebe.
Birds like oystercatcher, turnstone, curlew, sanderling, knot, little auk, king eider, grey heron, common goldeneye and brent goose can also be seen there in spring and autumn.  In beginning of each year, birds are counted in the area on behalf of the Icelandic Institute of Natural History (www.ni.is) .