#birdoftheyear is here! Every year I struggle to decide which of our gorgeous manu to support. This year, this seabird nerd is firmly #teamkakī , because these are the worlds rarest wading bird, fierce, staunch inhabitants of our threatened braided river ecosystems. These all-black beauties are recovering thanks to the intense captive breeding program that's boosted their population from 23 wild adults to 132. If you're still contemplating which bird to support, consider the kakī! They're currently in third place, and these birds need all the love they can get. ⠀ ⠀ #birdventurenz #aotearoa #birdoftheyear2018 #nzbirds #portrait_perfection #your_best_birds #feathered_perfection #birds_adored #bird_brilliance #birdstagram #birds_of_instagram #wildnz #riverqueen #newzealand #nikonnz #nature_perfection #wildearth #wilderness https://www.instagram.com/p/BorntTZhjX_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1af0zvrm5qwxp