Iceland: Europe's Wild Gem

To be honest, Iceland will never replace Paris or the Caribbean as a honeymoon destination. And despite Reykjavik being "the northernmost capital in the world," and only 5-6 hours' flight from the eastern U.S., it's not likely to become clogged with American tourists. However, that makes it ideal for the people who will enjoy this unusual destination. Recreation opportunities include sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, snowmobiling, golfing in the midnight sun, and horseback riding (on horses which, like the people, are descended from the original Viking stock). Still, it is the diversity of feathered life which brings enthusiastic "birders," to the island, seeking to add to their "life lists." Iceland is geographically situated in a critical Atlantic flyway and nesting ground: puffins, gannets, cormorants, eagles, terns, skuas, murres, loons, eider ducks, kittiwakes and dozens of other species visit or inhabit the country. While the puffin is honored as the national emblem, the Icelandic people also enjoy diving into a meal made from the bird. Although the tape includes plenty of interesting information, the lack of maps and graphics listing place-names is a serious drawback. Filmed, not videotaped, this attractive title will still be welcome in larger travel collections. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Reagan)