This
pair have arrived on their nesting site on a sub-Antarctic island as the
last of the winter ice is breaking out. Blue eyed shags are not birds
of the ice, usually staying out of the way of sea-ice. They are
unique in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic birds in that they will maintain a
nest year-round where the sea remains ice-free. They never venture far
from their nest site out to sea and because of this were welcomed by the
early explorers and sealers who were looking for isolated areas of land in
the vast sea-scape of the southern ocean.
Shag chicks are unique amongst Antarctic birds in that
they have the only chicks that are born naked with no down. This makes
them particularly susceptible to bad weather and especially dependent on
their parents when very young.
Paul
Ward - Pentax equipment, 100mm lens, 35mm film, K64.
This picture may not be copied or used in any manner without
prior written permission.
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