Nene - Branta sandvicensis

The very first time Cynthia and I visited the Big island of Hawaii in 2005, we were lucky to see the endemic Nene (also known as Hawaiian Goose). The birds - there were about four them - were so tame and were apparently used to people that they all hang out by the parking lot of Mt. Kilauea crater. One Nene even had the audacity to chase my wife, perhaps hoping for some handouts. Unfortunately on our return trip in 2011 we never saw any.

The Nene is the state bird of Hawaii and is an endemic species. It's name was presumably derived from its soft call. Despite their being accustomed to human presence, the Nene is the rarest and most endangered goose in the world. Only a few individuals survive in the islands of Kauai, Maui and the Big Island.

Nene - Branta sandvicensis
Mt. Kilauea Crater National Park, Hawaii
September 19, 2005

Canon 20D, 300mm+1.4X (420mm)
ISO-400, 1/250, f6.3 handheld

Grey Francolin - Francolinus pondicerianus

One of the surest ways to see a Grey Francolin is at the vicinity of the Mauna Lani Hotel in the Big Island of Hawaii. We were looking for a place to park our rented car when Cynthia shouted, "there it is!" I quickly stopped the car next to the sidewalk. My wife grabbed the camera lying in the back seat and fired away. 

The last time we saw this bird it was at the grassy area between the hotel building and the beach. We were surprised (and relieved) that this time we were able to see our target bird just next to the parking lot!

Grey Francolins are found in the grasslands and scrublands of South Asia. In 1958 this species was introduced to all the main islands of Hawaii but it was on the Big Island that they became more common.

Grey Francolin - Francolinus pondicerianus
Kona, Hawaii
March 28, 2012

Canon 5D Mk II, 300mm+1.4X (420mm)
ISO-100, 1/640, f6.3 from car window