Razor Bills and Guillemots on Bornholm
A trip to the steep cliffs of Hammeren on Northern Bornholm turned into one of the more memorable wildlife. With my Sony A1 and 200–600 mm lens in hand, I had the pleasure of capturing Razor Bills and Common Guillemots perched along the sheer rock faces and in flight.
Bornholm becomes a haven for these seabirds during the spring and summer months, when both species arrive to breed along the island’s rugged northern coast. The Razor Bill (Alca torda) is striking with its deep black and white plumage and sharply defined beak, often seen diving with precision into the Baltic waters. Meanwhile, the Guillemot (Uria aalge), slightly more slender and chocolate-brown in hue, nests in close-packed colonies, their eerie cries echoing off the cliffs.
A great spot for photographing the birds are right where the red arrow is pointing.
To reach this fantastic viewing spot, I recommend parking at Hammerhavnen and following the narrow path northward. As the trail winds along the coastline, the cliffs rise steeply beside you—and so do the chances of encountering these fascinating birds up close, without disturbing their natural rhythm.
This was hands-down one of the finest opportunities I’ve had to observe and photograph both species. I’ve shared a selection of images below—hope they give you a sense of the wonder I felt watching these birds thrive on the edge of the sea.
