Wednesday, 13 April 2016

Shag

This is a bird that I have avoided seeing my whole life. How? I have no idea. I have obviously been to the wrong places at the wrong times. I know that I've missed some by hours, but that's the joy of birding for me. You never know if you'll see what you want to see, or if something better will turn up, and sometimes nothing at all.

Phil and I stopped off in Holyhead harbour on our way to Anglesey. We were looking for Black Guillemots, as they are often seen here. Low and behold, as I peered over the harbour side there was a Shag. I double checked with Phil that it was indeed a Shag and not a Cormorant. I was delighted when it was confirmed and ran for the camera. I often wondered if I'd actually be able to tell the difference between a Cormorant and the Shag, but it was quite easy when I saw this one. It's quite a bit smaller and slender looking. It also has a lovely green colouration.






The Black Guillemots we actually went to see.


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8 comments:

  1. Phil Slade13 April 2016 at 08:13

    I like your shots of the Shag Adam. It's a species that is often overlooked or not noticed simply because it looks so much like the common Cormorant.Your pictures remind us that it is a very handsome bird in its own right.

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  2. Christian Perrin13 April 2016 at 12:23

    Congrats on the lifer, and you got some terrific shots for keepsakes - particularly the diving one!

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  3. EricaSta13 April 2016 at 17:58

    Fantastic captures... Wonderful!

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  4. likeschocolate13 April 2016 at 20:56

    Never seen this one before! Interesting body! Almost looks part fish!
    http://travelingbugwiththreeboys-kelleyn.blogspot.com/2016/04/chimelong-safari-park-guangzhou-china.html

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  5. Ida13 April 2016 at 21:29

    Congrats on the Shag spotting. Loved the photos especially the diving one.

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  6. eileeninmd16 April 2016 at 20:26

    Hello, awesome series on the Cormorant or shag. The Guillemot is a pretty bird. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!

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  7. Margaret Birding For Pleasure16 April 2016 at 21:31

    I love the shot where the Shag is jumping into the water. I hope you have a great weekend.

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  8. Anonymous17 April 2016 at 13:33

    Wow, the fourth images of the shag doing a dive is lovely.

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