Photography by Fenichel: Hawai'ian Nene Goose and Chukar

Hawai'ian Nēnē Goose (Maui)

Above is the rare and endangered/protected Nēnē, or Hawai'ian Goose, the state bird of Hawai'i. It is forbidden to feed or harm these native birds. You can see here how they are banded and tracked, in the hopes of a population comeback. They have evolved clawed feet to help with the volcanic lava surfaces, and they thrive on berries. The biggest risk to Nene are humans and cars. This was near the Mt. Haleakala volcano, but Nene are abundant also on the Big Island within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.

Below is another bird with unique striping, but it is not a goose. This is a Chukar, native to Asia and the Middle East. On the Hawaiian islands it tends to be found in remote areas, like these here at 8000 feet altitude on the edge of Mt. Haleakala.
Unlike the protected Nēnē, the Chukar was originally imported as a game bird, and is still fair game for hunters.

BIG ISLAND (Hawai'i) : Place of Refuge Kilauea Volcano | OAHU: Waikiki Sunset Mokolii | KAUA'I | MAUI: Mt. Haleakala | MOLOKA'I