Iceland: Final observations
To finish the “coverage” of our Iceland trip, here are some things we observed, in random order: Thanks Iceland for having us!
Birds of Iceland IV
We saw more puffins – but also razorbills and guillemots. At Látrabjarg, the westernmost tip of Iceland, there are literally thousands of seabirds. Kittiwakes nest there, as do razorbills, puffins, and guillemots. (Here’s an overview of all seabird colonies in Iceland.). How many guillemots can you fit on one ledge? As for fitting animals on… Read More Birds of Iceland IV
Mammals of Iceland
Before humans and their imports, the Arctic Fox was the only land mammal. Humans of course brought along their farm animals like sheep, horses and cattle, but also mice, minks, and in the 18th century reindeer. At sea, there are two types of seals, and plenty of whales. We saw humpback whales – very impressive!… Read More Mammals of Iceland
Puffins (birds of Iceland III)
They deserve their own post, as they are just so cute. Can I convince you? Correctly, they are called Atlantic Puffins. They come to grassy cliffs in large colonies to breed, digging their nests (or taking over existing burrows). The rest of the year they spend at sea and are hardly seen by humans. Also,… Read More Puffins (birds of Iceland III)
Birds of Iceland II
The birding adventure continues! I have now seen more rock ptarmigans in 2 weeks than all sightings in the Swiss Alps combined! The rock ptarmigans was mostly still in its winter plumage; the snow bunting we met enthusiastically singing for all tourists at Jökulsárlón (the most famous glacier lagoon) was already in its spring/summer plumage,… Read More Birds of Iceland II
Birds of Iceland I
We knew we wanted to have a good luck at the puffins, but were surprised by how many birds we see! Common snipes, redshanks, oystercatchers and of course gulls and wagtails are birds we have seen all over. The snipe is kind of cool because it flies very high, and then waggles its tail while… Read More Birds of Iceland I
Iceland: population, energy
We are lucky enough to spend almost five weeks in Iceland. Here’s a few first noteworthy things we came across (and as a data scientist, I of course like to geek about data): Population Energy In some areas, hot water comes from geothermal sources. The smell of sulphur is pretty strong and takes some getting… Read More Iceland: population, energy
Energy use in Swiss cities – another shiny app
To finish the data visualisation and communication course from the EPFL extension school, I needed to create something that would b e accepted as a capstone project. I decided to program another shiny app, again using open government data, like for the previous, smaller app. I came across the energy usage of the city of… Read More Energy use in Swiss cities – another shiny app
How fast does help reach you (in Zurich)? A shiny app based on open government data
I am still working my way through the data visualisation and communication course from the EPFL extension school. Getting towards the end, I need to complete two projects, one of which certainly in the form of a golem-based shiny app (a shiny app is some interactive web app developed without too much web developing knowledge,… Read More How fast does help reach you (in Zurich)? A shiny app based on open government data
What I wish you knew about (long) covid
While it is alluring to declare that the pandemic is over – unfortunately, it’s an illusion. We’re deluding ourselves, delaying, and not using the time when cheap measures still have a lot of effect. From the perspective of being (mildly) affected with long covid, and hearing heartbreaking stories of other people who’ve got it much… Read More What I wish you knew about (long) covid