Be on alert: Nēnē nesting season underway

The annual nesting season for nēnē, native Hawaiian geese, is underway and the Natural Resources division at Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kekaha reminds everyone to be alert, as these protected birds become more active near roadways and around installation facilities.

Adult nēnē lead their goslings away from nesting areas from September to April, often crossing roads or moving through high traffic areas and into new feeding grounds.

Nēnē — Hawai‘i’s state bird — are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act and safeguarded by state law.

“Nēnē families rely on safe passage as they move throughout their habitat,” said Pacific Missile Range Facility Natural Resources Program Manager Brooke McFarland in a base announcement about nēnē nesting season. “Increased awareness from our community helps protect these birds and support our collaborative efforts for environmental and native wildlife protection.”

Goslings move slowly and are unable to fly for several weeks, making them vulnerable to vehicle traffic and human and pet disturbance.

Adult nēnē also often molt their flight feathers and typically do not fly during the nesting season; instead, they remain grounded to protect their young.

Safety tips for motorists, base residents and Pacific Missile Range Facility guest pass holders

• Reduce speed when you see nēnē, especially near nēnē crossing signs along highways and on installation.
• Stay alert and watch out for nēnē crossing.
• Don’t honk your horn or rev your engine.
• Do not feed or approach nēnē.
• Give nēnē plenty of space and allow them to cross safely.
• Keep pets leashed.

Nēnē families are often seen along roadways because open areas near bushes or trees are an ideal place for nesting. Adults might display protective behavior, especially if people unknowingly approach a nest or young goslings.

“Understanding where nēnē nest and how they behave during nesting season helps reduce unnecessary disturbance,” McFarland said.

The U.S. Navy and Pacific Missile Range Facility’s Natural Resources staff work closely with state and federal wildlife partners to protect nēnē populations and promote safe co-existence on installation and in surrounding communities.

Call Pacific Missile Range Facility’s Natural Resources Hotline at 808-208-4416 to report an injured nēnē or lost gosling on base. Community members in all other locations should contact Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife at 808-274-3433 or 808-645-1576.

Visit the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife website to learn more about nēnē.