Cormorant or Shag?

Is it a cormorant or is it a shag?
A question which is often asked, and to be fair, one I often have problem with from a distance.

In between the wild weather we have been having in West Cork, I managed to get down for a walk with mutt on another nearby strand this morning. What a joy! Watching the oyster catcher probing the wet sand, the herring gulls stand in line along the low tide edge and the cormorant drying its wings up on the usual rocky perch.
...or was it a shag?

Leaving mutt to her own sand-digging devices, I began the task of rock scrambling to get a closer look. It is a scramble I have done on many occasions as this rock is a favourite of many sea birds and I have one particular shot which I am still trying to bag - but that one wasn't for today. Nope, any decent shot of the black 'sea ravens' (as the Latin name suggests), atop this rock would be just perfect. However, going on past experience, it would be tricky to get very close as they can be rather flighty with the slightest movement along the rock line. As I advanced forward, it was actually the gulls which made the first exit, leaving a solitary cormorant / shag.

By the time I had advanced to just a few feet from the sitting bird, the drying process was over and the wings had been tucked away. Carefully, I eased my 400mm up onto the edge of a rock as I tried to remain hidden. It knew I was there and went onto high alert but not before I fired off a few shots (as one above) of this sleek bird. A quick review on the back of the camera suggested that this one might be a cormorant but rather than spending too much time chimping I opted back to shooting and set the lens back in place for a few more shots. Then joy of joy, I had THE identification opportunity.

A second of these sleek birds flew up and sat alongside but not for long enough to begin the drying process. I fired off just a few more shots before retracting my lens below the parapet as the pair flew back off to sea.

Perfect!

Although these cousins have very similar features, by seeing them side by side it clearly showed up their differences.
The body size, slenderness of the beak, the hook to the end of the beak, the thicker throat and whether the crest is above the eyes or at the back end of the long head taper. The cormorant (on the left) and the shag are clearly different.

Oh so simple when you know how!

Winter Storm Tides

A couple of years back, I featured some incredible little sea creatures in my blog. They had been washed up by a
storm tide on a West Cork beach, and up until that point I had never before come across goose barnacles (Lepas anatifera).

Roll on to this week, and I'm back in West Cork where there has been quite a succession of storm tides. During one of the lulls between the storms I had taken the opportunity to walk mutt on our little strand, reflecting sadly on the huge amount of washed up plastic debris - the scourge of modern-day flotsam

It was as I passed a cut-off blue container, acting as a temporary pool, that I did a second take.
Light coloured growths like curly bristles coated the outer edges of the tub.

On closer inspection, I noticed it was more than just the bristles. Tiny seed-like shells were clumped together and straight away I realised what they were.

Goose barnacles (Lepas anatifera) but unlike last time when there were masses of mature creatures on a huge piece of driftwood, these were just the beginnings....

...with just the odd one mature and recognisable specimen.


This morning, I was back on the little strand, and again during one of the sunny lulls. The very high tide of the previous night had washed the blue container back out to sea, replacing it with huge heaps of pebbles and seaweed, Once more, there were also items of sea debris lower down the beach, sporting a covering of these pale shell-like clusters.

As we were checking these out, mutt had made her way right up to the high tide line and seemed to be very interested in something. Becoming intrigued, we followed her to the spot to discover the object of her interest.

A young seal, which we identified as a grey seal, had been washed up, dead, onto the pebbles.
But wait, was it dead?
We saw a slight movement around the nose area, at first thinking it was the whiskers being blown in the breeze.

Then we watched as this young pup, dotted with grazes and puncture traumas possibly caused by sharp rocks, made its last few futile gasps at life, gaping its mouth to reveal a wicked set of teeth.
Sadly, there was nothing we could do...

...and with that, it passed into the seal-beyond.


The next storm tide, which is in progress as I write - the wind howling down the chimney rain lashing against the window, will no doubt perform the act of nature recycling.
Life goes on.

Review of 2013

August

It has come to that time of the year when the photographers reviews appear - and guess what, here is mine!
Although I might have grabbed your attention with the opening image, there is still a possibility you might get bored, so you can click off now if you wish.



...still here? Well thank you!
I'm not going to write reams about each image as all the details are available in the actual blog posts - the links to each post are under the pictures. I have chosen the images (aided by my best critic and oh-so patient other half) for no other reason than I like them. There will be those of you who will like them too, and those of you who will wonder, why ever that one? - I'm ok with that.

So why did I open with the image above? Well, it is probably the one that left the most lasting impression on me in 2013, both in terms of seeing the joy of the parents with their newborn and the final image. It was just magical. There were so many other special moments and images throughout the year that it actually was quite hard to choose something (and sometimes more than one something) from each month. So here goes:

January

January 2

February

March

March 2

April

April 2

April 3

April 4

May

May 2

May 3

June

June 2

July

July 2

August

August 2

August 3

September

October

October 2

November

November 2

December

December 2

So there you have it. A real mixed bag but that is the way I like it - a challenge and some variety.

Thank you for sticking with this post, and thank you for taking time to drop into my blog during 2013 - I really do appreciate all your support. Look out for the exciting changes coming up soon.

And now, may I wish you all the very best for 2014!

Calm After the Storm

Early this morning, I was watching from Howth Head as the various ferries left Dublin Port to cross back to Holyhead. I had just arrived into Dublin at 6am myself and was slightly envious of the now calm appearance of the Irish Sea, as when I had left North Wales in the early hours, the captain of the Ulysses, the largest cruise ferry in operation, was apologising to the passengers. In the 24 hours prior to my sailing, one of the biggest storms to hit Ireland for some while, had made any crossing of the Irish Sea a no-go for some vessels and difficult for the remainder. I have made this crossing on many occasions and although I think my sea legs have improved slightly over the past few years, I still chose to share my journey with my trusty mates, Stuge and Ron.

As I lay down in my bunk, well away from the soon-to-be-green passengers milling about on the decks, the captain continued with his apology.
"Although conditions have improved from earlier, and although we will be using the excellent stabilisers on this ship, there will still be rolling during this crossing. I suggest that any passengers who may have a problem with this movement, should remain seated."
Then in the final breath
"I hope you enjoy the crossing"
Oh!
As it turns out, I knew nothing of the roly-poly crossing. In fact I had the best night sleep I have ever had on the ferry, and I guess it is thanks to those two mates.


So, what was I doing up on Howth Head - had I got a mean streak that wanted to watch how the returning passengers would suffer on the seas?
No, I had been invited by a photographer friend to quit racing straight off down to our usual destination in West Cork, and instead, make the most of the magic time of the Golden Hour, and explore some of the local landmarks first - and I'm glad I did.
Apart from Howth Head having some of the more desirable Dublin residences, it also boasts stunning views along the coast and back towards Dublin, and in the early light, and was worthy of a shot or two.

From the lighthouse on the end of Howth Head, we made our way back down to the harbour walls, where another lighthouse sat photogenically in the clear December morning light. I stood amazed that everything now appeared so calm when only hours earlier it had been the complete opposite.
Mindful though of my need to get back on the road I knew there were lots of interesting corners that I hadn't had time to explore but then it can be the thought of knowing that there is still that bit more to discover that will make anywhere worthy of a revisit. I guess mutt was pleased of the idea of not racing straight off from the ferry either. Although an excellent traveller, she appreciates these little breaks in the journey and it is because of her we often stop in places we would otherwise miss. This time I have Ray to thank for suggesting this interesting detour, oh - and there may just be an element of snap

So it was whilst walking back down the harbour, past a variety of interesting buildings, I noticed high up in a non-glazed window, one last sign of the calm after the storm - a feral pigeon caught in the sunlight as it emerged from its place of refuge.

May this calm spell last for the duration of our current visit!

.
..
...

Post Script

Calm? Last?!!!

Understatement! We had some of the wildest weather, and when did it improve?

On the last day of course!

An image to prove the weather conditions, as experienced from the platform of the Swift (seen speeding out to sea in the first image)
Taken from the perspective of the sea this image completes the circle by looking back to Howth Head, near the end of the day and right at the end of the visit.

Cambridge Bikers Christmas Toy Run 2013

It had been planned for sometime, and of course it was all fingers crossed but to wake to wind beating the rain hard against the window gave us that sinking feeling. All we hoped was that the weather would improve - as forecast, as we were about to take part in the first revival run of the Cambridge Bikers Christmas Toy run to Addenbrookes hospital and the complication of rain might just make less-hardy bikers think twice about taking part.

As we left home, the rain was still falling heavily, our red Father Christmas over-bike-coats were soaking it up like a sponge - what ever were we doing? We pressed on and as we drew nearer to Cambridge the sky began to lift, and so did our spirits - it would be so worthwhile. Bringing joy to those children who unfortunately would have to spend Christmas in hospital.

We needn't have worried as shortly after we arrived at the meeting point at Anglesey Abbey, the cavalcade of hi-vis police motorcycles arrived, making the whole event start to feel more 'happening'. From then on, hardly a moment went by without another set of wheels arriving and parking up in neat rows. One particular arrival was very welcome too - the sun at last!

Bikes arrived bedecked in all things Christmassey, both on the front...

...and on the back.

Allegiance with machines was no barrier to joining in this event, anything from cruisers...

...to scooters.

Santas arrived in anything from full-length cloaks to onesies.

Head gear also amazed with its variety...

...although one candidate for the best 'bah-humbug' costume clearly looked too happy and so the prize went to...

(...check further down and you will find out!)

The day was all about having a good time and spreading some  joy for Christmas...

...even if the often perceived macho view of bikers was shattered by having Barbie as a pillion!

Just time for a 'groupie' (and I resisted the temptation to photo-bomb)...

...before the briefing and preparing for the off.

............................................................

The plan was to ride in convoy from Anglesey Abbey to Addenrookes.
The well natured ride out got off to Santa-stic start!

Out onto the open roads, the convoy of around 150 motorbikes...

stretched forwards...

...and backwards as far as the eye could see.

The police riders cleared a route through the traffic, the occupants of stationary cars smiled, tooted and waved, as did many by-standers. There was a great sense of camaraderie and feel-good as we all pressed on towards Cambridge....

..and then finally Addenrookes Hospital.

Just time to catch one for the record and say a huge thank you to the police riders, many of them giving up their spare time to accompany the Christmas Toy Run.

A mass hospital admission of santas...

...and an Elvis (who hadn't left the building as he had won the best 'bah-humbug' prize)

However, 'bah-humbug' was not in evidence judging by the generosity of all the riders.

And finally, to round off, a few Christmas ditties to get everyone into the mood.

Once again, the biking community had pulled out all the stops - an amazing crowd. So glad to have been part of it.

So it remains to thank the organisers and everyone who turned up to make it what it was but most important,
wish all those children a very Happy Christmas and a hope for a return to health in the New Year.



Please note, all images are © Ailec Photography - copies are available by request