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Yes, they are rare, only 2500 of them. They are on the lookout for another rare species - B&W Challenge entries :)
On a more serious note . .
These are Otago Shags - only recently discovered (in February) as a distinct breed, they are an endangered species and live only in coastal Otago, New Zealand. They are dimorphic, having two distinct plumages. These ones, known as 'bronze', and pied black & white. You can see a pied one in THIS photo I posted in April.
A colony of these nest and breed alongside the more common Spotted Shag on a disused wharf in our harbour where they are safe as it is closed to humans.
There is talk in the town that the wharf (dating from 1894) may be repaired to allow tourists to walk along it. What a tragedy that would be. I think the birds should come first. What do you think ? CLICK HERE