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