Could this blue-eyed beauty steal your vote for New Zealand Bird of the Year? Shags are definitely some of our most under-appreciated bird species, and I have a special place in my heart for them! Spotted shags are common in the South, but the northern population in the Hauraki Gulf has crashed to around 900 birds from thousands in the past. They’re genetically distinct from their southern cousins, and they need a lot of love to help rebuild their population...⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #nzbirdoftheyear #nzbirds #birdventurenz #thebrillianceofbirds #your_best_birds #conservationphotography #conservationphotographer #wildnz #seabirdstory #seabird #shag #seabirdscience #threatenedspecies #discovernz #nuts_about_birds #birds_adored #birds_brilliance #lovenature #ourplanetdaily #ocean #nzboty #birdsofinstagram #birdstagram #blueplanet https://www.instagram.com/p/B4A85CKpaQ7/?igshid=kv4iujk4rk5m
