Spring bringer

The golden plover (heiðlóa or lóa in icelandic) is Iceland’s favorite bird, as it is said to bring the spring. The first sighting of the bird is therefor important to Icelanders. It normally arrives late in April and did so also this year. There is a special song indicating it's importance, a kind of welcoming song “Lóan er komin” (the golden plover has arrived).

According to folklore the golden plover song was used to figure out what the spring weather would be like. If the lóa sang "dirrinðí" it meant good, sunny weather, if it only said "bí, bí, bí" there was a chance for rain and wind.

This golden plover was spotted in the outdoor area Krossanesborgir north of Akureyri.