Hawaiian Geese pair, Kilauea Point, Kauai

Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands, USA (August 2015)

Hawaiian Goose (or Nene) is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and is classified as Vulnerable. It is the state bird of Hawaii. The population has increased, through conservation efforts, to around 2500 birds in 2011 from a low of about 30 in the 1950s. They are regularly seen at Kilauea Point and in fields alongside the road leading to the Refuge. This image was taken from outside the Refuge near the entrance gate at about 8:15 am. The Refuge is open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. The entrance fee is $5. Outside of opening hours, the Point and the Lighthouse together with circling sea birds can be viewed from near the gate.

For more information on this bird species see the following links:
Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis) / Internet Bird Collection
Hawaiian Goose / Bird Forum
BirdLife International / Hawaiian Goose Branta sandvicensis
Nene (Branta sandvicensis) / ARKive
Hawaiian Goose Branta sandvicensis (Hawaiian name: Nēnē) / Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge

Shooting Time 08:15
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/640
Av(Aperture Value) 8.0
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 1600