Wildlife

Because Iceland is a relatively new island, it only has one native mammal - a fox.  Sheep, horses, and cows have all been imported but are domestic.  The reindeer is both domestic and wild, which is fun.  Instead of seeing deer crossing signs, we saw reindeer crossing signs.

And then we saw the reindeer.  What is particularly interesting is that they are free-range, meaning there are no fences.  So when driving, one must be even more careful.  I was thrilled with how many reindeer we saw eating the lichens in the grassy areas.

We also have enjoyed the birds that we have seen, but none more than the Whooping Swan.  They are everywhere!  We have also seen hundreds of Graylag Geese, many Oystercatchers, and thousands of gulls.  We have yet to see the puffins, however, as we do not think they are here yet.  From what we can tell, they spend their time in the North Atlantic ocean . . . now that is a hardy creature!