Graham Haddy, a long time Iceland enthusiast and schoolteacher from Southern England, has sent us this photograph that he took when he was on a visit with his School earlier this year. It's taken from the hotel they used near Hveragerði. When conditions allow (the most important being, of course, clear skies) we get some splendid views of the northern lights from this part of the world.

It's the shortest day of the year and at Latitude 64 N, 21 W (where I'm writing this at the moment) the sun will rise at 1116 and then set at 1528. The bad news is that low cloud prevents us from glimpsing the sun today. The good news is that the days are getting longer from now on!

... is the title of an incredible new painting from talented bird artist and Iceland enthusiast, Mike Langman.

Each year non-breeding male harlequin ducks congregate together and are a magnificent sight for visiting birders. Mike has caught the mood in a very distinctive way in this portrayal of a group he saw on a visit last year. Prints are available and you can see more of Mike's work here