Endangered Hawaiian Geese Spotted on Oahu for the First Time since the 1700s

Hawaiian geese, also known as nene, recently nested and hatched their young on the island of Oahu. This is the first time that the endangered species has been seen in the area's wild since the 1700's.

Nearly the last four centuries, the birds have only been able to exist on Oahu while in captivity. Yet a pair of intrepid nene successfully nested and hatched three goslings at the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

This pair of geese even found their own way to Oahu without human intervention, according to The Huffington Post.

According to Steve Hess, a U.S. Geological Survey wildlife biologist, nene can fly long distances and are known to cross the island in only a day. "But the fact that they would stop and raise youngsters over there-that's pretty remarkable," he added, via the news organization.

This species of duck is the only kind that does not occur naturally on any continent, according to ducks.org.

For instance, these guys prefer to nest near the ground on a variety of substances, including beaches, woodlands, grasslands, volcanic ash or cinder and lava rock substrates.

Have you ever spotted a nene? Share in the comments below.