Young spotted shag resting on the beach

This young bird was resting above the water on a shingle beach. It's a young one, but still has spots on the wings and back.

didn't seem worried by us walking by, or by a couple of people with (well under control) dogs - couldn't fault the dog owners, they made a point of leashing the dogs and walking well away. Great to see.

These birds are gradually increasing - they used to be "hunted' by men who lay on cliff tops picking off the adults with guns, and leaving the young to die of starvation - nice people!!

They are endemic, breeding only in N.Z

The very young, fed by both parents, are annoyed by gulls who keep at them till they bring up some of their food which the gulls then eat - yum!