Rockport-Fulton boasts “Top Ten Birding Spots” in Texas

(Rockport-Fulton, Texas – January 18, 2010)  Aransas County is known as one of the hottest spots in the United States for observing birds.  The county has been on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail since its beginning and continues to be one of the best places in the United States to see both migrating birds and birds in residence.  Geographically, Aransas County is perfectly positioned on the Central flyway migratory path which yields diverse sightings of many species. 

These “Top Ten Spots” include:

1.   Aransas National Wildlife Refuge - Whooping Cranes – The largest and most accessible wild flock of Whooping Cranes in North American can be found at.  These highly endangered birds can be seen from November through March.

2.   Goose Island State Park - Water Birds and Shore Birds – Goose Island State Park has a variety of habitats with hiking trails, paved roads and bird feeding stations, birdbaths, shoreline and pier.  It is a good place to observe water birds, waterfowl, shorebirds and passerines.  If you choose to go in the Park (there is a fee), you may obtain a free checklist of birds detailing which species you might expect to see and in which season.   Go to www.rockport-fulton.org and click on Events Calendar for when bird walks are held.

3.   Lamar - Cinnamon Teal – In winter visit St. Charles Bay along Lamar Beach Road for a chance to see many species of ducks including the beautiful Cinnamon Teal.  The end of Lamar Beach Road curves to the left and again becomes Park Road 13.  It will take you past the “national champion” Live Oak tree, thought to be over 1,000 years old.  This area can be especially good for sparrow watching in winter.

4.   Copano Causeway- American Oystercatchers – At the south end of the Copano Causeway and immediately on the right is Oystercatcher Point where American Oystercatchers are often seen.  A small beach area forms a protective cove from Aransas Bay where herons, duck, shorebirds, gulls and terns may be found.

5.   FM 1781 - Neotropic Cormorants – Follow Farm Road 1781 which starts about ½ mile from the south end of the Causeway along the shore, marshes and oaks.  At 0.9 there is a salt-water marsh and pond where Neotropic Cormorants often perch on old fence posts.

6.   Rattlesnake Point Road - Berwick’s Wrens and Long-billed Thrashers – Follow Rattlesnake Point Road until you get to Salt Lake Road.  Turn right and follow this road to the end being sure to check out the large pond on the left.  Return to Rattlesnake Point Road, turn right and continue for 1.4 miles to a left turn on Rattlesnake Road.  At the end of this road is either a large shallow area or a mud flat, depending on the tide.  Herons, ducks, shorebirds and beautiful Roseate Spoonbills sometime feed here.

7.   Cape Velero - Cassins’s Sparrows and Northern Bobwhites – About 2.5 miles from Cape Velero is Port Bay Road.  Turn right onto this road.  Look for Greater Roadrunners along the road.  Bird to the end of the road to Port Bay.  The pavement ends but the caliche section is excellent in dry weather.  At the road’s end is a salt marsh with resident Seaside Sparrows and Clapper Rails.

8.   Shell Ridge Rd. - Reddish Egret – On Loop 70 immediately past the American Legion Hall take the fork to the left.  Follow the road here to the water where it becomes Shell Ridge Road.  Birding is usually good here and it is possible to find all the herons here including the Reddish Egret.  This is a narrow road.  Please remember to keep the road passable and to respect private property.

9.   Water Street - White Ibis – Water Street is the place to see the White Ibis who is here year round .There is also a good chance you will spot numbers of other shorebirds and waterbirds.

10. Rockport Beach - Least Terns and Black Skimmers – Enter Rockport Beach Park for an excellent chance to see herons, shorebirds, gulls and terns.  The islands in Little Bay are nesting grounds for many species.  At the far end of the park are an observation deck and a large protected area where Least Terns and Black Skimmers nest.  Wilson’s Plover can often be found here.

There are still Whooping Cranes here and how the Migrant birds are coming through now as well as how our colonial water birds are starting to nest on the rookery Islands.

For more birding information or to purchase your Birders Guide from the gift shop located online at the Chambers website at www.rockport-fulton.org. Call 1-800-242-0071 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more birding opportunities.

About the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce

The Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce constantly strives to provide the best programs and activities to improve business and build a better community, and is proud to maintain a 4-Star Accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce since 2005.

For more information on convention and corporate meeting services, community events, sponsor opportunities and places to stay contact the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at (361) 729.6445 or (800) 242.0071, or via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .