The tropical island community of Port Aransas, Texas, is well-known for its breathtaking beaches, world-class deep sea fishing, and island-style restaurants, but we’re quickly growing into one of the best South Texas birding destinations. The annual Whooping Crane Festival is held annually at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in an effort to celebrate and preserve the world’s last naturally-occurring whooping crane population. There are two peaceful Port Aransas birding locales within minutes of Port A Escapes’ charming vacation rentals, so you’ll always be a short distance from a tranquil adventure.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center was unfortunately negatively affected by Hurricane Harvey in the summer of 2017, but this bird haven is in the midst of a recovery plan thanks to generous donations. As the city continues to remove debris, replant trees, and rebuild the boardwalk, you’ll still be able to spot warblers, roseate spoonbills, egrets, pelicans, herons, a wide variety of ducks, and, of course, whooping cranes. This preserve is full of other living creatures, including alligators, lizards, turtles, coypus, and wild boars. It’s only a matter of time before this birding center is better than ever!
Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture
Charlie’s Pasture remains a hidden gem in the South Texas birding community. This natural preserve is recovering well after Hurricane Harvey as dozens of bird species meander through this quiet park. Charlie’s Pasture shares a boundary with the Port Aransas Nature Preserve and the aforementioned Birding Center. Here is a short list of birds that have been spotted at Charlie’s Pasture in recent months:
American coots- Northern shovelers
- Green herons
- Cooper’s hawks
- Pied-billed grebes
- American bitterns
- Green-winged teals
- Ruddy ducks
Whooping Crane Festival
Birding in Texas is on the rise as thousands of nature enthusiasts discover the allure of this growing recreational activity. Port Aransas birding is firmly on the map mainly because of the annual Whooping Crane Festival. The whooping crane is one of the most endangered birds in North America. The festival coincides with the annual return of the cranes to their winter habitat at the nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Dr. George Archibald, the co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, will be speaking along with several other surprise guests. The event will include boat tours, workshops, seminars, bus tours, a wine-and-paint class, and a trade show.
Port Aransas Condo Rentals
Whether you’re a South Texas birding expert or just interested in the trade, you’ll always be minutes from an afternoon in the wild when you choose Port A Escapes. Winter Texans have begun to arrive at our tropical paradise to sunbathe, indulge in exquisite local cuisine, and relax in our luxurious Port Aransas rentals. Start your day with a breathtaking Gulf of Mexico sunrise, soak in a refreshing on-site pool, grill fresh-caught fish fillets, and walk to Port Aransas Beach. Give us a call today at 1-361‑749‑2300 to book a well-deserved tropical getaway to beautiful Port Aransas!
