Shag's of Staple Island

Staple Islands, Farne Isle's - 17.7.18

In the last post I concentrated on Arctic Terns on Inner Farne, but on the all day trip you'll also get the chance to also visit Staple Island which is quite different to Inner Farne being more rocky with less vegetation.

As you depart the boat most people tend to push on up to the top of the island where the main breed colony is located, my preference is to remain near the roped area adjacent to the landing jetty where there are still a fair few Guillemots, Kittiwakes, Shags and Puffins, it also benefits from having the blue sea giving the image an uncluttered back drop.

Most of the adults shags have now lost there breeding plumage sticky up crests and iridescent green colours that seem to highlighted in the sunlight seem to have faded, but the plus point is there is some good photo opportunities of images of young Shags

I'm sat on the boardwalk again I'm using the 500mm, but there's so many photo opportunities and it's so easy to jump from one bird species to another when that unusual opportunity presents itself, on occasion I have to move back as the birds are too close, but only having the 100-400 and the 500 I much prefer the 500 for it's silky smooth bokeh.

Adult Shag

Fledgling Shag