A Nene (Hawaiian Goose) in the Hawaii Volcano National Park. These two birds just sat on the trail. It is the first I have seen wild birds that did not move as I approached. I could have picked this bird up, no problem.
These dudes are not too bright -- just lazy islanders! :) Scientists believe these birds were once nearly identical to the Canada goose, but after thousands of years of evolution, they are now quite different. They seldom swim and were not bothered by predators or cold temperatures, so they did not fly as much. Today the Nene has feet that are only half as webbed as other geese, with longer toes for climbing on the rocky lava flows. Their wings are weak, compared to other geese.
