BirdingInSpain

Male and female Harlequin Ducks paddled frantically among the breaking waves like little steamer clockwork ducks, and were completely enthralling. The group sheltered from the wind as best they could from behind the van, and from there they watched the ducks’ antics. They were in no rush to move on.

Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus

Two days later I was standing on one side of the fishing boat, cleaning my camera lens while most of the passengers were on the other side, watching out for the Humpback Whales which had just dived below the surface of the choppy waters.

Whalewatching in Iceland

Humpback Whales in Iceland

Suddenly, a Humpback whale broke the surface with a loud, unannounced spout of sea spray, and this was carried on the wind and spattered over my lens, my protective clothing and, more significantly, up my nostrils. A salty kiss, from a Humpback Whale – this was Iceland.