Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in the Coastal Bend plays host each winter to the world’s largest flock of endangered whooping cranes. At 5 feet, they are the tallest birds in North America. Wings outstretched, they have a wingspan of 7 feet. Courtesy photo
Whooping cranes have a lot to whoop about this year, having hatched 45 chicks in their winter home in Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada. Those chicks, along with about 300 adult cranes, are now wintering in the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, just in time for the annual Whooping Crane Festival in Port Aransas.
In 1941, only 15 of the birds remained in the wild. This year’s feathered winter Texans will benefit from $700,000 worth of levee work that was recently completed in the marches at the southern end of Matagorda Island. The five-year project removed deteriorating levees that were blocking proper tidal flow.
The restored habitat has resulted in an increase of blue crabs and wolf berries, two favorite whooping crane cravings.
The Gulf Coast habitat for whooping cranes will continue to grow along with the bird population thanks to two pieces of land purchased by the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program this year. The properties include 720 acres near Mission Lake and 251 acres along Mission River, which are about 15 miles from the refuge.
Funds for the purchase came from the Coastal Impact Assistance Program, which gave $1.29 million, and the Whooping Crane Conservation Association, which gave $13,000. Both areas have seen increasing winter use by the birds, mainly because they are difficult for humans to access.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is easy to reach, however, and a great way to see these majestic birds up close. For a $2 entrance fee per person (or $5 per car), visitors can choose any of six hiking trails for a bird-friendly trek.
You can also catch a tour boat from the Sea Gun Marina in Rockport that passes Goose Island State Park on its way to the refuge. Cost is about $112 per person with a limit of four per trip. (Discounts are available for active military and disabled veterans.)
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is located at 1 Wild Life Circle in Austwell. It is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. It’s about an hour-and-20-minute drive northeast of Corpus Christi.
