Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Cover image of white-tailed deer fawn at Aransas NWR and image of alligator at Aransas NWR copyright Steven Holt/soaringseal.com.
Don't be surprised to find an alligator staring back at you from the sloughs at Aransas NWR. This refuge on the Texas coast is a haven for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians and is the winter home for a flock of endangered whooping cranes. Reaching a standing height of almost five feet, these stately cranes are the tallest birds in North Ameria.
Karankawa Indians once lived in these oak forests. Now the residents are white- tailed deer, bobcats, javelinas, nine-banded armadillos, feral hogs and cougars. The refuge's bird list is the second largest in the US national wildlife refuge system with 394 recorded species.
During winter months, you can use high powered spotting scopes on the refuge's observation tower to find and watch whooping cranes. You can also charter a boat or join a tour for even closer views of the cranes and other birds. In 2007, over 200 cranes made the journey to Aransas from their summer home in Saskatchewan, Canada.
For shorebirds, waterfowl and wading birds, check out the shallows of San Antonio Bay and Jones Lake. Alligators, purple gallinules and common moorhens are sometimes visible from the viewing platform at Jones Lake. And from mid April to mid May, neotropical warblers rest in the oak woodlands accessible from a trail (1.4 mile loop) adjacent to the Heron Flats parking lot. The Rail Trail (.3 miles) also provides excellent birding opportunities.
WHEN TO GO: Mid-November through March for whooping cranes. Mid April to mid May for neotropical migrants (arrival dates vary, so it's best to check with refuge staff).
The refuge is open year round from sunrise to sunset.
DIRECTIONS: From Rockport, travel Highway 35 north for about 20 miles to Farm Road 774. Turn right on 774 and drive about 9 more miles to FM 2040. Take a right and drive 7 miles to the refuge.
WHEN TO GO: Mid-November through March for whooping cranes. Mid April to mid May for neotropical migrants (arrival dates vary, so it's best to check with refuge staff).
The refuge is open year round from sunrise to sunset.
DIRECTIONS: From Rockport, travel Highway 35 north for about 20 miles to Farm Road 774. Turn right on 774 and drive about 9 more miles to FM 2040. Take a right and drive 7 miles to the refuge.
White-Phase Reddish Egret foraging in the Gulf of Mexico. (c) Steven Holt/soaringseal.com. Click on image to purchase print.
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CONTACT: Aransas NWR P O Box 100 Austwell, Texas 77950 (512) 286-3559 |
