Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Hawaiian Goose" Signed lower left. Original Gouache/Watercolor painting on Masonite.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the U.N. 32c Hawaiian Goose Endangered Species stamp issued March 13, 1998.

The state bird of Hawaii, the Hawaiian Goose is a magnificent looking bird characterized by its barred neck, checkered chest and black cap. The least aquatic of all geese, it favors high, sparsely vegetated, inhospitable volcanic slopes, often far from water. The Hawaiian Goose has become so adapted to its harsh environment that it has essentially evolved into a land bird, with uncommonly long legs, reduced webbing on its feet and unusually strong, well-padded toes designed for navigating the coarse lava flows. It feeds on grasses, berries and leaves, and acquires its water from the food it eats and by drinking dew from its feathers. Families of Hawaiian Geese travel together until the young are a year old, dispersing when the next nesting season begins. Pairs are monogamous and mate for life, with the male protecting the female throughout incubation. At one time, the Hawaiian Goose could be found in abundance throughout the Hawaiian Islands. But as the Islands' human population grew, so did the numbers of cats, wild dogs, feral pigs, rats and the Indian mongoose. The Hawaiian Goose has no defense against these predators, especially during its long moulting season when the bird is unable to fly for six to eight weeks. By 1950, a mere 30 to 50 Hawaiian Geese remained in the wild. The remarkable bird was saved from extinction through captive breeding-and-release programs. Today, approximately 800 wild Hawaiian Geese can be found on the Islands, all of which are still threatened by predators.

Image Size: 12.5 x 14.5 in.
Overall Size: 15 x 17.75 in.
Unframed.
(B15882)

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