Whooping Cranes in Rockport, TX at Aransas NWR

Established in 1937 for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge now encompasses more than 115,000 acres of diverse habitat along the Texas Gulf Coast. Perhaps best known as the wintering home of the last wild flock of endangered Whooping Cranes, the refuge is also home to a diversity of migratory birds and other resident wildlife.

II found a boat captain in Rockport, TX and booked the boat for three mornings in January. I would have gone alone if necessary but I invited some friends from previous photo outings and they came and even brought another friend. Wendy went along and we all had a great time.

There are only 440 Whooping Cranes in the wild flock. There another 160 in captivity. This is up from 16 in 1941.. It's been an amazing story of recovery. Whooping Cranes are the tallest. bird in America. I didn't realize how huge they were until I saw them standing next to Sandhill cranes which I had thought were enormous.