Shag Rocks are a cluster of six remote, jagged sub-Antarctic islets. They rise abruptly out of the open, wild expanses of the Southern Ocean. They are situated roughly 150 miles west of South Georgia Island and about 620 miles east of the Falkland Islands, sitting directly atop the underwater Scotia Ridge.

After two days at sea, it was quite unexpected to see these rocks seemingly materialize out of the fog. A close look at each photo below reveals a staggering number of birds thrilled to have this mid-ocean sanctuary.