Spotted Shag - Waiheke

Seen mostly on the northern side of Waiheke, possible the deeper waters suit their natural swimming abilities. I have seen them dive under and swim over 100 metres before coming back to the surface again. They swim far better than they can fly... like a fish in the water, like a torpedo in the sky. Apparently having no marrow in there bones these birds are evolving possibly into a fish or the other way to a bird. Sleek in movements, with a very dangerous powerful beak and neck. If ever you try to take one out of a net... watch out! They will sit in overhanging pohutakawa branches or rocks that often are more predominantly outreaching. Breeding seems to be all year with 2 to 3 eggs coloured blue-ish hatched. Both parents incubate for 28 to 30 days.

Official Waiheke Website

photo courtesy - www.haurakigalleries.com