Better known as the NENE, this is the State Bird of Hawaii.
Introduced predators such as the Mongoose caused a precipitous decline in Nene numbers throughout Hawaii. Newly established populations are easy to find at several spots in Kaua段. Most of these Geese will be sporting USFWS bands. Kilauea NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 400, Evaluative metering.
Nene are supposed to inhabit sparsely vegetated slopes on Kaua段. Their ancestral descendants were Canada Geese long ago. Kilauea NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 400, Evaluative metering.
A few Birds were observed with young on the Refuge when we visited. Kilauea NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 400, Evaluative metering.
This unbanded and presumed wild individual was observed at the entrance to the Pihea Trail in the rainforest. The elevation here is about 3,500 feet! Weird place for a Goose, but that痴 what Nene are supposed to enjoy... Kokee State Park. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 800, Evaluative metering.
A strong population also exists in the Hanalei NWR, and it痴 vast acreage of taro fields. This Bird is part of the reintroduction program. Hanalei NWR. Kaua段, HI. USA. March-2004. Canon EOS-10D, EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens. ISO 800, Evaluative metering.