Meet England’s shag coastal bird (handsome you!)

Handsome shag birds are beautiful seabirds (related to cormorants), with glorious green eyes, long black necks and yellow patches around their mouths. Like cormorants, their feathers are not waterproof (so they can dive deeper, but they have to dry their wings, after being in the water).

They are often called ‘mini pterodactyls’ due to looking a bit like dinosaurs, when they stretch out their wings!

Unlike most seabirds, shags don’t plunge into the sea to fish, but instead leap into the water, then dive down to find food. They build nests on cliffs using twigs, feathers and even seaweed, all held together by guano (droppings!)

Keep at least 100 metres away from coastal birds, as flying away wastes energy that could be used for feeding (they need more space at high tide). Keep dogs away, as disturbing nests could cause birds to abandon chicks. Read more on keeping dogs safe at the seaside.

RSPB Puffin Binoculars are designed for children (only cost around £30) and are small and lightweight, so pretty good for most adults too.