European Shag

To capture the European Shag on camera, you need to focus on their favorite 'drying stations'—the prominent, spray-lashed rocks just above the high-tide line. Position your camera at a low angle (about 1-2 feet off the ground) to capture their sleek profile against the ocean. Since these birds are strictly coastal, look for sheltered inlets or rocky piers where they regularly haul out to rest. Be sure to use a fast shutter speed or a high-frame-rate video setting, as their jump-dive happens in a flash.

Because they are active during the day, lighting is your best friend. The iridescent green sheen of their feathers is most visible in the golden hour light of early morning or late afternoon. Avoid using flash, which can startle them and wash out the subtle metallic textures of their plumage. If you are setting up a camera near a nesting colony on a cliff, ensure it is securely weighted or tethered; coastal winds and curious gulls can easily knock over lightweight equipment.

While Shags aren't attracted to traditional backyard bird feeders, if you have a property overlooking the sea, you can encourage them to stay in view by providing a sturdy, flat-topped piling or a large, stable rock that remains above water at high tide. In terms of camera settings, use a motion-sensitive trigger with a 'pre-roll' feature if possible, as this will help you catch the moment they land or begin their characteristic dive. During the spring, look for the 'crest'—their distinctive punk-rock tuft of feathers—which makes for a spectacular close-up shot.