A collection of photographs made in Helgoland during a four-days trip organised by BirdingBreaks - Amsterdam, The Netherlands and guided by Peter Grobben from June 12 - 15, 2009.

Helgoland is located 70 kilometres off the German coastline and consists of two islands: the populated triangular 1 km2 main island to the west and the Dune to the east. While the former
is what the place name "Helgoland" normally is used to refer to, the latter is somewhat smaller 0.7 km2, lower, surrounded by sand beaches and not permanently inhabited.
The main island is commonly divided into the Unterland at sea level, the Oberland consisting of a plateau and the Mittelland between them on one side of the island.
Northwest of the island Helgoland's famous landmark is found: The Lange Anna which is a free standing rock column, 47 metres high and weighing about 25,000 tons.
The highest point is on the main island, reaching 61 metres above sea level.
Helgoland holds the only colony in Germany of Common Guillemots, Razorbills, Northern Gannets and Black-legged Kittiwakes. Common Rosefinches are also breeding birds.
In 1720, the natural connection between Dune and Island has been destroyed by a storm flood. The Dune is a paradise for everybody dedicated to nature photography. A small ferry gets you there in about 10 minutes. Expect about 200 grey seals and harbour seals in their natural environment.







(ALMOST) ALL IMAGES © AAT BENDER