THE SHAG 343 



Forth. The sun was just rising over the hills, and the water 

 was rough from the stiff morning breeze. A little distance 

 from shore a company of Shags were fishing on the lee side 

 of the rocks, whilst others were disporting themselves in the 

 sea. By cautiously creeping over the rough beach I got quite 

 close to them, and was able to observe their every action. 

 Some were floating quietly on the water, buoyant as corks ; 

 others kept diving at intervals in search of food. Many were 

 seated on the rocks preening their plumage, or, with wings 

 widely expanded, seemed to be enjoying the warmth from the 

 bright sun and drying their feathers. It was indeed a lively 

 scene, but the birds were very quiet. Not a sound was heard 

 save the splashing of the water against the rocks, and the 

 occasional scream of a Gull as it flew lazily by scanning the 

 surface of the sea for food. Numbers of the birds kept 

 quitting the rocks and flew in a heavy manner towards the 

 distant Bass, which probably contained their nests ; whilst 

 others as frequently arrived from the sea to find a resting- 

 place on the low rocks. The Shag flies swiftly, with rapidly- 

 beating wings and long neck extended, generally passing 

 along quite close to the waves. Few birds are more expert at 

 catching fish than the Shag \ and few birds are more at home 

 in the water. He catches nearly all his food by diving for it, 

 and is most active in his labours in the morning and during 

 the hour before sunset. At dusk the Shag hurries off to its 

 roosting-place, usually flying in little parties just above the 

 sea to the caves and rocky islands which form almost its 

 only resting-place on land. Eegularly do the birds frequent 

 the same spot to roost, which is generally their nesting-place ; 

 but sometimes in the autumn and winter the caves are 

 deserted, and rock-ledcres are used instead. 



The Shag is never seen fishing much very far from shore ; 

 he prefers the quiet bays and creeks, and along the sides 

 of the cliffs where the water is deep. I often pause and 



