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Pied Shags at Goat Island


Yesterday on a road trip we were out at Goat Island. My 19 year old who has his learner licence and is about to go for his restricted licence drove us there, it's nice to see him getting more confident and better with driving. Anyway, one of the first things I saw there after getting out of the car was this nest high up in one of the trees. I think these birds are Pied Shags (Karuhiruhi) and I see a baby in the top nest, they usually live in coastal areas.


Both parents take care of the chicks and they mainly feed on fish 6-15 cm long but also on shellfish. They were endangered but are now recovering. From what I've read their nests can be made of bits of rubbish, twigs, sticks, seaweed, grasses and foliage.

Linking up with Our World Tuesday and My Corner of the World.
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Comments

At Home In New Zealand said…
I visited Goat Island reserve once - many many many years ago! Where does the time go to? One day, I would like to visit there again. Your photos of the shags are great.
4 November 2019 at 08:16
Susan Heather said…
Great photos. That would be a good drive for a learner driver, keeping off S.H.1.
4 November 2019 at 09:10
Bill said…
What a great photo. It looks like they are posing for you. Nice capture!
4 November 2019 at 11:07
Sharon said…
Wow, wonderful photos of these unique birds.
5 November 2019 at 04:19
Sallie (FullTime-Life) said…
They remind me a bit of our cormorants ... you did a lot of research on their habits...thanks for sharing.
5 November 2019 at 05:26
Dianne said…
amazing how they build their nest so high in the branches - it would be a rocky road for them chicks on a windy day
5 November 2019 at 08:55
Carol @Comfort Spring Station said…
I'm not familiar with the birds but they are very attractive.
5 November 2019 at 09:23
Fun60 said…
Attractive looking birds.
5 November 2019 at 09:51
Hootin Anni said…
Wow! I am an avid b irder and I really enjoyed your photo share & allowing me to visit & learn so much of a new species for me.

I remember our kids (now 47 & 50) learning how to drive. Quite an experience for parents too.
5 November 2019 at 12:06
Lady Fi said…
Wow - fabulous!
5 November 2019 at 18:52
betty-NZ said…
These are great shots, Amy! I don't think I've seen them in a tree before.

Your post on 'My Corner of the World' is great to see this week!

My Corner of the World
6 November 2019 at 17:53
Shiju Sugunan said…
Great shots! So beautiful.
6 November 2019 at 18:48
PerthDailyPhoto said…
Well spotted Amy, lovely to see them in their nests like this. Aren't they good parents 💙
7 November 2019 at 01:47
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