Vote Spotted Shag Bird of the Year 2024
Fancy a Shag?
The Kawau tikitiki Spotted Shag needs your help! Listed as ‘In Serious Trouble’, the Spotted Shag like many shorebirds, is often neglected. Pledge your support below!
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Why vote for the Shag?
They are in some very serious trouble
Shorebirds are under serious threat, and the Spotted Shag isn’t an exception with their numbers decreasing. Threats include coastal development, introduced predators, breeding disturbance, and over-fishing.
Shorebirds have low recognition
Shorebirds and shags don’t get the appreciation they deserve, often being overlooked by favourites like the kiwi and kākāpō. That’s why the Spotted Shag needs your help to get into the spotlight!
They’re so cool and have a cool name too
I mean, this is pretty self explanatory! Look at how cool they are. And that name, simply stunning. Look at their fancy crest, their spotted feathers, their blue ring, their medium sized-ness. So awesome.
A little bit about the Shag
These loveable larikins are the only yellow-footed shag endemic to Aotearoa. An entirely marine based bird, the Spotted Shag can feed in waters out to a massive 16km from shore. When breeding, small black spots appear on their backs and wings, giving them their names. During this time they also have striking blue eye-rings, blue-green facial skin, and a double-crest. The Spotted Shags numbers are reducing, and can be found mainly around the South Island. However, some are still found in the Hauraki Gulf.
You can find out more about these marvelous birds here: https://nzbirdsonline.org.nz/species/spotted-shag
Latest shag campaign info
Pledge your support!
We've now made a 'pledge your support' option available. Fill in a microsoft form to pledge your vote and you'll receive a reminder to vote when the time comes: https://forms.office.com/r/CxwptsAz1P
We’ve launched our campaign!
We've officially launched our campaign to see the Spotted Shag earn the crown of Bird of the Year for 2024. More information will come shortly!
Important Dates
05
Aug
Campaign Launch
We have officially launched our campaign to see the Spotted Shag voted in as Bird of the Year for 2024. We’re calling on everyone to pledge their vote for this amazing bird, will you join us?
02
Sep
Voting Opens
Mark this date down, this is when our campaign wraps up and voting opens for Bird of the Year! Make sure to vote for the Spotted Shag and other shorebirds.
15
Sep
Voting Closes
Voting closes on this date, so make sure to get your vote in before.
Will you vote for the SPotted Shag?
Pledge your vote below to ensure the spotted shag gets the recognition it deserves!
Pledge your vote here
Get In Touch
The team behind the Shag
Massey University’s Students’ Association
The Spotted Shag has the backing of the students of Massey University! That means it must be a good choice for your vote, with that many educated people backing it up! Te Tira Ahu Pae is proud to be coordinating this campaign in order to drive student engagement with the cause and highlight the Spotted Shag to the recognition it deserves.