HAPPY TUMMY

We've been hearing a lot about " Happy feet " the Emperor Penguin who came ashore in the North island just lately.
He/she unfortunately became very sick as he/she was eating sand, thinking it was normal snow ( which is what they do in their normal environment to aid digestion )
He's well now thanks to some skilfull Vet handling and will be returned to the Antactic waters very soon -

It reminded me of the normal environment and habitat birds live in and the fact they spend about 80% of their waking hours feeding - with that figure being so high it indicates to me they have big appetites - Most of the birds I photograph are pretty well engaged in catching food - if they are not they are fighting over getting it. Shags are no exception But! - the only thing about them is they have to get their fill pretty rapidly as their feathers get water-logged - that's why we see them in that cross like shape drying out - they couldnt fly otherwise. Its a bit of a study in itself so I wont bore you further !
Anyway here's the Shag with a smelt ! or (herring) - which-ever school you went to??
rgds Pooba.