Nene Goose Handouts

The Nene goose is the Hawaii state bird. They are the result of Canadian geese that were likely stranded in the islands long ago, possibly blown off course by a storm, and evolved over thousands of years. To the untrained eye they still look like Canadian Geese. However, Hawaii had no native goose predators and the opportunistic geese grew used to staying onland, feasting on a diet of native berries (Kukae Nene Berries). As they now live in a grassy, relatively arid environment, they have lost much of the webbing on their feet and can thus be easily differentiated from their Canadian cousins.

This nene goose was one of two geese hanging out by the garbage bin at one of the trail heads in Haleakala National Park. They were both waiting hopefully for handouts, similar to their Canadian cousins who are known to beg for meals when the opportunity permits. They were close to the parking lot and hopefully have learned not to wander in back of cars. They appeared to stay on the grass and away from the pavement so I'm hopeful that they'll have long and healthy goose lives.