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.
