The situation of the birdlife on the Reykjavík Pond is unacceptable and the indifference of city authorities is not consistent with the birds’ importance for city dwellers, according to a new report conducted by two ornithologists for the Reykjavík City’s environment and transport division.

The Peykjavík Pond. Photo by Páll Stefánsson.

Ornithologists Ólafur K. Nielsen and Jóhann Óli Hilmarsson state in their report that the gadwall has nearly disappeared as a nesting bird and that the number of eider ducks and scaup has taken a sharp downturn and they are likely to disappear completely in the coming years if nothing is done to prevent it, Morgunbladid reports.

Only two species are in a good shape, the mallard and tufted duck, the report says. This report is conducted on an annual basis for city authorities and Nielsen and Hilmarsson say they have repeatedly pointed out the graveness of the situation without response.

The ornithologists point out in their report that the birdlife on the pond was in bloom from 1956-1986. In 1986 the pond supervisor, also known as “duck daddy,” left his post and no one was hired to take his place.

Since then a lack of course has characterized the pond’s administration and so the report’s author recommend that a new pond supervisor be appointed.

The city’s horticultural manager Thórólfur Jónsson objects that the city hasn’t been paying attention to the birdlife on the pond, stating that the report’s recommendations have been followed.

A sign informing passersby of the reserve in the Vatnsmýrin district has been erected, an attempt has been made to increase the level of oxygen in the water, the progression of angelica in the area has been stalled and it is planned to hire a supervisor for the birdlife, Jónsson explained.

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