About us

Caring for the Eider bird in organised colonies began on the Miðfjörður farm during the middle of the last century, but the down has been utilized for centuries. The preparation of a colony on the farm to attact the wild birds began as an experiment by the farmers to increase income possibilites, where traditional farming is done under often harsh conditions. The Eider is a nordic bird and therefore very appropriate to utilize its qualities in the northern hemisphere. The Eider colony in Miðfjörður has grown each year, but a lot of effort has been put into expanding the colony and maintaining it.

Miðfjörður is a large farm in Langanesbyggð municipality. The farm is bordered by two salmon fishing rivers, Miðfjarðará and Holkna rivers. The land has been farmed for centuries. Many people lived on the farm in the early days, because of its plenty land space. The population has decreased in recent decades, as people have moved from the country to pouplated areas. Today, farming on Miðfjörður is recreational where a small number of sheep is kept, in addition to caring for the Eider.

Miðfjarðará river is the longest and largest river in the area. It runs from Mælifell heath, largely in canyons, down to the ocean, approx. 25 km. from its beginning. Salmon is caught in the river for sport. About 300 salmon are caught each summer in the river. Trout can also be caught in the river.

Miðfjörður farm is also a popular place to hunt geese and ptarmigan during designated hunting seasons.

The eider colony in Miðfjörður is a declared protected area according to regulation no. 252/1996, cf. advertisement in the Legal Gazette on 21 March 2019.

The declared period of protection is valid from 15 April until 14 July of each year.

Declaration of protection entails:

• all shooting is forbidden within 2 km. from the eider colony, unless for a pressing need.

• Fishing nets may not be closer to the eider colony than 250 meters from the shore measured at neap tide.

• All unauthorized traffic and disruption is forbidden, unless with landowners' consent.

• All unnecessary noise from people and vehicles is forbidden, unless with landowners' consent.