THE SHAG AND COEMOEANT 



(Plialacrocorax graculus and P. carlo) 



THE Shag, Lesser Cormorant, or Crested Cormorant, as it is 

 severally known, is a common bird on those coasts suited to 

 its habits and requirements. These are the bold rocky head- 

 lands and steep precipitous islands, either close to the main- 

 land, as at the Bass, or far out to sea, as at St. Kilda. It is 

 not uncommon along the more low-lying coasts in winter, but 

 in summer is never found far from the cliffs. The Shag is a 

 singularly trustful bird, and with the smallest amount of 

 caution you may watch it fishing almost within a stone's throw 

 without it showing the slightest sign of fear. I well remem- 

 ber once watching these birds near Canty Bay, in the Firth of 



