At Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, encompassing 70,000 acres of the Blackjack Peninsula is the winter home of the white Whooping Crane. This majestic bird is on the endangered species list, and standing at over five-feet tall is truly a stunning creature! The area is also home to migrating passerines, shorebirds, waterfowl, among others-approaching 100 species on record. In fall, witness spectacular raptors taking flight-Merlin, Swainson, Boradwind, and Peregrines to name a few. Neighboring Goose Island State Park is also an excellent place to observe waterbirds, waterfowl, and shorebirds. On the shores of the Reserve at St. Charles Bay you can view many of these beautiful species that populate the Rockport area.
