Heligoland June 2027 additional departure

Seabirds and the gannet

The oceans make up most of the earth's surface, 71 percent to be more precise. And seabirds occur everywhere on earth. What the birds we call seabirds have in common is that they get their food from the sea. Ten years ago, people spoke of 346 seabird species, of which 200 are entirely pelagic species, which means that these live their lives entirely at sea - except when they breed.

Gannets thus spend most of their lives out at sea and only come ashore when it is time to raise young. We find them on both sides of the North Atlantic. When it is not breeding season, we often find them a little further south in the Atlantic - where the food supply is especially good.

Heligoland

Heligoland lies about 70 km off the German west coast and here we find the gannets unusually accessible. Sometimes they breed just half a metre from the barrier, and they do so completely unconcerned. Just like many other species of pelagic birds, the gannet is an outstanding glider out at sea, where it can cover long distances without expending any significant energy. But on land, when it is to land or take off, it is almost clumsy. And this gives us many opportunities for exciting and sometimes funny pictures.

Heligoland consists of several islands, of which the main island, Heligoland, is the most important. Heligoland is known for its fantastic cliffs, unique red sandstone formations and rich seabird populations and is a popular destination for nature lovers and tourists seeking beautiful nature. Historically, the island has been an important strategic and trading point, and it became part of the German Empire in 1890 after previously being leased from Great Britain. Today, Heligoland is best known for being an excellent place for birdwatching, for its maritime history and its dramatic landscape.

Not just gannets

On Heligoland there are a multitude of different bird species, many seabirds, gulls, larger gulls, terns but also other coastal and forest birds. The black-legged kittiwake and common guillemots are also among the breeding birds. However, the gannets, which breed on cliffs on the island's western and northern side, attract the most birdwatchers.

During migration periods you can see thousands of birds gather, which makes Heligoland a popular place for bird enthusiasts. We will come in May when some migratory birds will pass through and many will probably stop over.

The island has a tax-free status, which attracts many tourists especially from the mainland. Cheap spirits and beer and many shops with luxury goods. But that is down in the town district which lies just above sea level. Many pleasant pubs and restaurants are also there.

But we are above all interested in the gannets which are found higher up, on the 70-80 metre high cliff that makes up over half of the island.

Grey and harbour seals

We will also visit the neighbouring island of Düne, and here we find both grey and harbour seals and much other seabird life. Here a distance of at least 30 metres to the seals applies; if you come closer, a friendly guard will come and ask you to back off. So here we use a slightly longer telephoto lens. (When it comes to the gannets, the standard zoom and wide-angle can also come in handy.)

Brutus will give tips and small "workshops" if there are requests for it.

Images below © Frode Wendelbo and Brutus Östling respectively

Heligoland is a restful island to spend lovely holidays on. No private car traffic is allowed on the island.

Here, however, we find the gannets unusually accessible. Sometimes they breed just half a metre from the barrier, and they do so completely unconcerned.

The gannet is an outstanding flyer out at sea, where it can cover long distances without expending any significant energy. But on land, when it is to land or take off, it is almost clumsy. And this gives us many opportunities for exciting and sometimes funny pictures.

The gannets are best photographed in the evening, and if the sun shows itself there are good chances of gannets with the setting sun as background.

On one of the days we take the boat to the uninhabited neighbouring island of Düne. There we find both grey and harbour seals and much other seabird life.