Norwegian sea and European shags

The European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), also known as the common shag, is a seabird native to the coastlines of Europe. It is a medium-sized cormorant species with striking features, including glossy black plumage, a long slender neck, and bright emerald-green eyes. European shags are skilled divers and feed primarily on fish, using their strong webbed feet to propel themselves underwater in pursuit of prey. These birds are often seen perched on rocky shores or cliffs, where they build their nests from seaweed and other materials. The European shag plays an essential role in coastal ecosystems as both a predator and an indicator of marine health. Their distinctive appearance and behaviors make them a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts and researchers alike. It looks like European Shags have a private meeting. I took this picture on Runde island Norway.