For me, this was a near-bucket-list photo! In the years I've been out here, I've seen only a hand-full of these geese, and most in the Honolulu zoo! Today Ken and I drove up to Lahainaluna High School that sits at the end of the road overlooking Lahaina and the ocean looking toward the island of Lanai.
This high school, built in 1831, was a public boarding school and the first high school west of the Rockies. That over rides several states in the western US. The first newspaper west of the Rockies, was printed, in Hawaiian, on the grounds of the school beginning February 14, 1834.
I photographed some of the older buildings, and then noticed texture and color on an old corregated storage building. A workman walked out as I was taking a picture of a weathered window, said he'd love to see, and then asked if I wanted another good photo opportunity... He pointed to the goose, sitting on a mound of dirt in the working garden area. I did several bracketed photos to capture the camouflaged textures and color.
As part of my Hawaiian album, I'm delighted to have this photo, as I've found them to be elusive and somewhat rare. I'm glad I have a photo to share with you!
Fantastic capture, Louise! You have a way of getting the best info from those workmen! Nice job of bringing out the colorings in this guy - he looks great against the palm tree. Who knew animals could be camouflaged to look like palms?
@stray_shooter When he was first pointed out, I couldn't see him...for obvious reasons! I walked closer but didn't want to scare him off. Was using my Nikon, but went back to the car for this camera because I could zoom in closer...
@fjmom When you're here, if you're in the neighborhood, The top of Lahainaluna Road is a beautiful view point, and I think that goose may reside there! The ground of the school are lovely to see as well, and I've never been bothered there.
I love it. I was thinking about Geese a lot yesterday and wishing I had a picture of one to post since I felt like I spent a lot of time on a wild goose chase... And then you and Richard @chard both posted Goose pictures - at almost the same moment! Made me laugh and made my day.... ;)
it is indeed a rarity. i've not even seen a photo of it but only drawings! how am i familiar with it? if you're a crossword puzzle enthusiast, the 'nene' always figures in them. aces, my good friend. aces!
@summerfield "Learning" is a two-way street! I've done crosswords from time to time, and if I came across "nene" I'd have the answer immediately and not think more about it! What fun that this "non-Canada Goose" brought us some shared fun! ♥
@summerfield "aa" is another Hawaiian crossword? I'll be on the lookout for "lava" for you! More of it to be found on the Big Island, but here, too, of course!
@Weezilou - and 'lava' is the reason why i would not want to come to hawaii! i left the philippines because i hate earthquakes and i hate volcanoes. i don't want to be running being chased by lava. eeek! well, we don't have them here! we only have crazy people. :-)
@summerfield "fascinating", our quirks and foibles we share! My earliest thoughts about lava/volcanos was when my parents went to the Big Island to see and film the eruption on Kilauea. Today it's rather creepy to see how close there were able to stand to watch! For a number of years later (after in the very early 50s-on) my parents were invited to show that film in my classroom...all prior to tv and internet! (yes, I still have it...transferred to VCR and then DVD) I had another interesting "volcano experience" when Ken and I visited Hawaii many years ago and I went out signtseeing on my own. Of course, living in So Cal with the constant possibility of earthquakes, I don't think or worry about these things. You just try to stay prepared... I'm really not bothered by any of it, but I can understand and wouldn't disallow your fears...
I'm fascinated by this. The name is so unusual, compounded by the fact that we have a River Nene here in the East of England. I had to look up your goose and discovered it's name was because of it's call.
The Swiss bells in my picture from the other day are only about 3.5" tall. Not very big really.