| Shag, (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)
Shags are goose-sized dark long-necked birds similar to cormorants but
smaller and generally slimmer with a characteristic steep forehead. In the
breeding season adults develop a dark glossy green plumage and prominent
recurved crest on the front of their head.
Pentax SFX 35mm SLR Sigma 28 - 105mm lens
|
|
| In the UK they breed on coastal
sites, mainly in the north and west, and over half their population is
found at fewer than 10 sites, making them an Amber List species. All of
these images were taken on the Farne Islands, Northumberland. This
bird is returning to the island with some bedding for the nest.
Canon 30D DSLR, Canon 100 - 400 IS lens.
|
 |
| The Farne Islands are a great place to visit to see these large elegant
birds and they can be seen on most of the islands. Although largely black
birds, as this image shows they have a very striking head with its
yellow beak, green eyes and 'punkish' crest.
Canon 30D DSLR, Canon 100 - 400 IS lens. |
 |
| This image and the top one show off the bird on its nest with its
setting in the background. I have seen the nests both on rocky ground in
the middle of the island and on the ledges around the rugged edges of the
island. Shags
usually stay within 100-200km of their breeding grounds.
Canon 30D DSLR, Canon 17 - 85 IS lens |
 |
|
