Wildlife / Outdoors
Whooping Cranes at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is the wintering ground for the only wild flock of whooping cranes, one of North America's rarest birds, and is open to the public year-round for wildlife watching, fishing, and hiking.
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 115,000 acres on the Texas Gulf Coast and is best known as the winter home of the last wild flock of whooping cranes. The cranes arrive from their breeding grounds in Canada around November and stay through March. The whooping crane is federally listed as endangered. By the late 1930s the wild population had fallen to around 18 birds; recovery efforts have raised that number significantly since.
Beyond the cranes, the refuge hosts more than 400 bird species. White-tailed deer and alligators are also commonly seen. A 16-mile auto tour loop and several walking trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center (Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) offers exhibits and information. Fishing from the pier is allowed; hunting for deer and feral hogs is permitted in designated areas by permit through a lottery drawing.
The refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Circle, Austwell, TX 77950 — about 35 miles north of Rockport via FM 774 and FM 2040. Entrance fees are modest (cash only): $3 for one adult, $5 for two or more, free for children 17 and under. Several passes, including the Federal Duck Stamp, waive the fee. Check fws.gov/refuge/aransas for current hours, fees, and hunting information before you visit.
Source to confirm: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Aransas National Wildlife Refuge