Flói

Flói Nature Reserve protects approximately 5 km² (500 hectares) of coastal wetlands and lowland meadows in southern Iceland along the east shore of the river Ölfusá, near Eyrarbakki, representing one of Iceland's most important breeding grounds for migratory wading birds and waterfowl. ^[1] The reserve encompasses a flat landscape of marshes, shallow lakes, wet grasslands, and drained meadows — sitting on average only 2 metres above sea level — that collectively support extraordinary bird diversity during the summer breeding season. The area's significance extends beyond Iceland as a critical site within the East Atlantic Flyway, with birds breeding here migrating to western Europe and Africa for winter. Flói is recognised as an Internationally Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

The wetlands support one of Iceland's densest breeding populations of wading birds, with approximately 70 bird species recorded in the reserve, 25 of which breed regularly. ^[1] Black-tailed godwit, whimbrel, redshank, snipe, golden plover, and dunlin all nest in significant numbers. Greylag geese breed abundantly in the marshes, while whooper swans and red-throated divers utilise the shallow lakes. Short-eared owls hunt across the reserve, and merlin nest in surrounding areas. The reserve's shallow waters and wet meadows provide ideal feeding habitat for chicks of multiple species, making it a critical nursery area.

Wet grasslands dominated by sedges, cotton grass, and various moisture-tolerant grasses form the primary vegetation, maintained in its open character by the high water table and seasonal flooding. Shallow lakes and pools support aquatic plants including pondweeds and aquatic buttercups, with emergent vegetation along margins providing nest cover. Mosses form significant ground cover in the wetter areas, while slightly elevated ground supports grass-heath communities. The flat terrain and uniformly wet conditions create a relatively homogeneous vegetation pattern that favours ground-nesting birds requiring open sightlines for predator detection.

The reserve occupies a coastal lowland plain composed of Holocene-age sediments deposited by the river Ölfusá during thousands of years of flooding and sedimentation. The flat terrain barely rises above sea level, with the water table at or near the surface creating the permanently wet conditions that define the landscape. Underlying the recent alluvial deposits are layers of tephra from historical volcanic eruptions, providing datable marker horizons within the sedimentary sequence. The broader Flói agricultural region lies on the great Þjórsárhraun lava plain, formed around 8,700 years ago, the largest postglacial lava flow in the world.

The southern Iceland coastal location provides relatively mild conditions with average temperatures from 0°C in January to 11°C in July, moderated by proximity to the North Atlantic. Annual precipitation exceeds 1,000 millimetres with frequent rainfall throughout the year. The flat, open terrain is fully exposed to winds, with southerly storms bringing particularly wet conditions. The combination of mild oceanic climate and wet conditions creates a long growing season that supports the productive grassland ecosystem essential for breeding birds.

The Flói lowlands have been utilised for agriculture since Iceland's Norse settlement, with the fertile alluvial meadows providing valuable haymaking land. Traditional farming relied on the seasonal flooding to fertilise the grasslands, with hay harvested in late summer providing critical winter fodder for livestock. Drainage ditches dug from the 18th century onward partially converted wetland to drier pasture, altering but not eliminating the wetland character of much of the area. The agricultural community maintained the open grassland character that benefits breeding birds, creating a cultural landscape of conservation significance.

The Flói Bird Reserve was established in spring 1997 when Fuglavernd (BirdLife Iceland) and the local district of Eyrarbakki signed an agreement on the restoration of wetlands east of the river Ölfusá, supported by Iceland's Environmental Fund. ^[1] Management by Fuglavernd — BirdLife Iceland works with local farmers to maintain appropriate grazing and mowing regimes that prevent scrub encroachment while respecting breeding seasons. A wheelchair-accessible bird hide at Stakkholt was formally opened in 2010. The site's inclusion in international Important Bird Area designations emphasises its significance within the East Atlantic Flyway.

Birdwatching represents the primary visitor activity, with the reserve's accessible location and exceptional diversity attracting both Icelandic and international birders. A wheelchair-accessible observation hide at Stakkholt allows viewing of breeding waders and waterfowl from May through July without entering sensitive nesting areas. ^[1] The flat terrain and farm tracks provide easy walking access to different habitat types within the reserve. The spectacular density of displaying waders during May and June creates one of Iceland's most impressive wildlife spectacles.

The reserve is located approximately 60–70 kilometres from Reykjavík in the southern lowlands, near Eyrarbakki, accessible by paved roads from Route 1. No formal visitor centre exists, but information boards at access points provide maps and bird identification guides. The flat terrain allows easy walking, though rubber boots are essential for the perpetually wet ground. Accommodation is available in nearby towns including Selfoss and Eyrarbakki. The breeding season from May through July provides the most rewarding visiting period for birdwatchers.

Preventing further drainage of remaining wetlands is critical, as historical land reclamation has already reduced the area of suitable breeding habitat. Fuglavernd (BirdLife Iceland) leads active restoration, with 170 hectares currently being rewetted to benefit 455 hectares of bird breeding habitat overall. ^[1] Predator management, particularly of non-native mink and expanding Arctic fox populations, protects vulnerable ground-nesting birds. Agricultural intensification including earlier mowing dates can destroy nests and chicks before fledging, requiring coordination with farmers on appropriate timing. Climate change may alter the hydrological regime through changing precipitation patterns and river flow dynamics, potentially affecting the wet conditions essential for the breeding bird community.