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Hawaiian Goose

Branta sandvicensis · Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Hawaiian Goose (Branta sandvicensis) is in the Ducks, Geese, and Swans family (Anatidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 5,586 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in December.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

Conservation status (iNaturalist): E.

When to photograph Hawaiian Goose: observations by month (U.S.)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

About Hawaiian Goose

The nene (Branta sandvicensis), also known as the nēnē or the Hawaiian goose, is a species of bird endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. The official bird of the state of Hawaiʻi, the nene is exclusively found in the wild on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, and Hawaiʻi.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Hawaiian Goose by state

StateObservationsPeak monthMain season
Hawaii5,584DecemberNov–Oct

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (Ducks, Geese, and Swans)

Photography tips

  • Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
  • Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
  • Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
  • Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ

When is the best time to photograph Hawaiian Goose?
Nationally, December has the most observations, with the main season from November to October.
Where is Hawaiian Goose most often seen?
The most observations come from Hawaii.