The main focus of research on Helgoland is bird migration. Bird ringing has always played an important role, and a catching garden, which is still in use today, was laid out in 1911. In 1920 the on Helgoland invented "Helgoland trap" was added. While seabird ecology was a second major research focus of the Island station between the second world war and the year 2000, current research mainly focuses on the catching garden and various projects regarding stop-over ecology and migratory behaviour.

There currently are two permanent staff members on Helgoland: Dr. Jochen Dierschke is the technical leader of the Island station, and Phil Keuschen is his assistant. In addition, there is usually a large number of students and volunteers, who are helping out in the catching garden or writing their bachelor or master theses on Helgoland. During migration (March-May and August-October), many PhD students and postdocs who are otherwise based in Wilhelmshaven, join the Helgoland team to collect their data.

We organise visits to the catching garden in the period 15 March - 31 October, usually on Tuesdays and Fridays at 16:30. The meeting point is the entrance to the Island station and there is no need to register. Tours do start at exactly 16:30 though, so punctuality is important if you'd like to join.

Groups consisting of more than 7 people cannot join the regular tours, but should make an appointment for a private tour. These tours can be organised on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 16:30. Unfortunately, we cannot offer tours during the weekend.

In October we organise the Helgoländer Bird-days, in collaboration with the Ornithological Society of Helgoland.

Institute of avian research 
Island station
An der Sapskuhle 511
27498 Helgoland
Tel.: 04725-64020
E-Mail