Any bird watching vacation in the
great state of Texas would be a failure if it didn’t include
the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. This 58,982-acre haven for
migratory birds and fish is home to the only naturally migrating
and breeding population of the endangered Whooping Crane. Nearly
100 species of bird nest in the refuge and another 210 species
of migrating birds can be found here in the fall, the spring or
both seasons. The Aransas National Wildlife refuge covers 3 Texas
counties and its mix of gulf prairie, marshes and wooded uplands
also provides much-needed habitat for a staggering number of other
animals and plants, many of which are threatened or endangered.
Visitors to the refuge number some 80,000 a year, and can experience
a number of outdoor adventures. The wildlife in the area provides
ample opportunities for observation and photography, especially
bird watching. Visitors may catch a glimpse of magnificent Whooping
Cranes, beautiful Great Blue Herons or spectacular Roseate Spoonbills.
Other rare animals whose presence is recorded in the refuge include
the American alligator, the Scarlet Snake and the endangered Jaguaruni,
which is a small, predatory wildcat. Plant lovers might even find
a few Threeflower Bloomweeds. There are many hiking, automobile
and bicycle trails to enjoy, as well as picnic areas and a 4-
foot observation tower. Seasonal hunting and fishing are also
permitted.
As of 2003 drilling for petroleum and natural gas was permitted
in this once protected area. The companies involved pledged to
work with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to maintain the
ecologic integrity of these important natural habitats. The Aransas
National Wildlife Refuge’s number one need, however, is
Habitat Restoration, so the impact of the drilling remains to
be seen. Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is located
on the Gulf Coast 60 miles northeast of Corpus Christi Texas.
