Seasons... Spring: Spectacular! 200 species a day. The varied habitats in the area attract many birds, particularly during migration.
Summer: 100 nesting species in the Texas Coastal Bend. Nearby coastal barrier islands host colonial nesting birds which may be viewed from birding tour boats in the area.
Fall: Spectacular raptor flights -- Merlins Swainson's, Broadwings, and Peregrines to name a few. Shorebirds flood the marshes and estuaries; hummingbirds buzz the feeders during mid-September. Sometimes 200 birds in one backyard.
Winter: Over 100 species might be seen on a winter's day. Winter residents, lingering migrants, southern vagrants and permanent residents make exciting birding!
Nature Trail: A 19-stop walking trail highlighting birds, plants, and various subjects dealing with nature. Great for school groups. Eight-tenths of a mile long. Starts at Demo Bird Garden and loops around back to the cemetery and then to the end at Fulton Beach Road.
Birder's Guide Booklet: Order a 16-page, full-color, booklet with a checklist, driving tour of birding sites, simple map and artist drawings of birds seen in the area. The cost is $3.50. Send your check or money order for $3.50 to: Rockport-Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce, 404 Broadway, Rockport, TX 78382 or call 1-800-242-0071 to put the charge on your MasterCard or VISA.
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Birding Sites...
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge: 70,000 acre sanctuary on Blackjack Peninsula, winter home of the Whooping Cranes, but also over 374 species during the year. Home to over 1,000 species of plants. (361) 286-3559.
Goose Island State Park: Located just 12 miles north of Rockport on the shores of Aransas and St. Charles Bay, this State Park is great for an outdoor camping and birding adventure. See waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerines. (361) 729-2858.
Fennessey Ranch: The Fennessey Ranch is part of a legendary 750,000 acre Texas land empire that has remained in the same family for 171 years. The ranch consists of 4,000 acres of abundant wetlands, meadows, natural lakes, riparian woods and brush land and bordered on three sides by the Mission River. The Fennessey is located in the heart of the Central Flyway along a region of the Texas coastline known as the "Coastal Bend." World Class Birding, Field Trips, Customized Tours, and more are available at 361-529-6600.
Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary: As a memorial to Connie Hagar, the Friends of Connie Hagar, Inc., purchased the Hagar property in December of 1994 to establish a bird sanctuary and historical site. Wooded inland birding site. 6.25 acres of trails.
Rockport Beach Park: Bird Sanctuary on West side of beach area. Islands host Rosette Spoonbills, Blue Herons, Egrets and more.
Demo Bird Garden and Wetland's Pond: Texas Department of Transportation Rest Area. A garden and pond demonstrating native plants that attract birds, waterfowl, and wildlife.
ARANSAS WOODS
Season: Winter, Migration
Leaving Sinton on TX 188, travel east toward Rockport. After crossing the intersection with TX 136, continue east and stop at Port Bay. Scan the bay for waterfowl and wading birds, and inspect the mudflats for shorebirds. Continue east to the intersection with TX 35 Bypass, and turn left (north) and travel for 1.6 miles to the entrance to Aransas Woods (to your right). Park at the gate and enter. During “fallouts,” coastal mottes such as Aransas Woods offer food and protection to thousands upon thousands of weary landbirds who might otherwise perish if forced to continue inland to the nearest contiguous forests. Goose Island State Park, Connie Hagar Sanctuary, and Aransas Woods are vital links in the migration chain, and no spring trip to the Texas coast is complete without a visit to these coastal woods. The site contains an observation platform contributed by the family of Robert M. Latimer as a memorial to his interest in the birds of the Texas coast. It overlooks a complex of grassland oak motte and shallow wetlands, making this site attractive to birds and other wildlife year round.
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