The setting sun at "The Kalkman" on the Engelsmanplaat in the Wadden Sea by Marga Vroom

About "The setting sun at "The Kalkman" on the Engelsmanplaat in the Wadden Sea"

by Marga Vroom

About the artwork

The Engelsmanplaat is a vast, uninhabited sandbar in the eastern part of the Dutch Wadden Sea, located between the Wadden Islands of Ameland (to the west) and Schiermonnikoog (to the east) in the province of Friesland. The plate is part of the unique and dynamic tidal area known as the Wadden area, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009. The Engelsmanplaat lies in the transition area between two important channels: the Zoutkamperlaag and the Westgat. At low tide, the plate largely comes dry and is then visible as a vast expanse of sand. At high tide, it is (partially) inundated by the sea. The Engelsmanplaat is constantly changing due to the effects of wind, tides and currents. As a result, its shape, size and location change gradually over the years. This dynamic is typical of the Wadden area as a whole. The name "Engelsmanplaat" is derived from Mr Engelsman, a superintendent of the Department of Waterways and Public Works who was involved in taking hydrographic measurements in this part of the Wadden Sea in the second half of the 19th century. On the Engelsman plate, there is a bird watcher's house and observation post called De Kalkman. The structure serves as accommodation for bird watchers who monitor bird resting areas during the breeding season and sometimes receive visitors. Engelsmanplaat fulfils an important role as a resting and foraging area for numerous animal species. In particular, shorebirds use the plate as a stopover during their migrations, looking for food in the mud flats. In addition, Engelsmanplaat is an important resting place for seals. The plate lies within the Natura 2000 area of the Wadden Sea. I took the photo one evening with a photo tour.