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When I was a child I was already fascinated by nature and preferred playing outside. During primary school I discovered bird life and started birding. At that time I never thought about turning my hobby into profession. So I birded more or less actively until I rediscovered bird watching during my studies of Geography. As a would-be geographer I got around. Thus, I spent my first internship on Langeneß, a holm in the Wadden Sea. There I got in contact with this habitat with its salt marshes, mudflats and shorebirds. Since that time the Wadden Sea captivates me whereupon I wrote my diploma thesis on the Hamburger Hallig at the Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea-coast. After finishing my studies I took the first opportunity to spend time on the Wadden Sea. Hence, I worked for several months on Mellum, the bird-isle of Lower Saxony. Here I gained deep insight into secluded island-life. Nevertheless I was not as lonesome as on Trischen – we were at least two wardens!
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And what’s the geographers work on Trischen Island? Most people probably associate surveying and mapping with geographers’ work. That is just a small part of my work on the island. A very important component is mapping the breeding birds. Trischen already has a long tradition of nature conservation (see Human History and Conservation on Trischen), which leads to good comparability of the collected data. Furthermore I will take measurements of the land survey via GPS, as Trischen moves in an eastward direction due to its natural dynamics. Besides that I map the vegetation on an annual basis. So there is lots of “typical” geographers work. Additionally, I do regular migratory bird countings, record and try to prevent disturbances of nature, measure sedimentation and erosion and monitor marine mammals. Moreover, I do press relations, like updating this homepage regularly and giving interviews. After season’s end I will write a report. Although I am on my own on this lonesome island I will not get bored because there is plenty of work.
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