Aransas is known as the major winter home for the endangered Whooping Cranes. Whoopers (as they are called) reached a low population of 20 birds in the 1940’s. Conservation efforts increase the current number to 830 birds.
The refuge is 115,000 acres along the Texas Gulf Coast.
We saw them in the distance but could not get close enough for a good picture, thank you internet.
WHOOPING CRANE MIGRATION
Unfortunately most of the cranes had already headed North to their breeding grounds in Wood Buffalo National Park.
The Whooping Crane is the tallest bird in the United States.
- Tallest Birds in the World
- Common Ostrich, 9.2 feet
- Somali Ostrich, 9.0 feet
- Emu, 6.2 feet
- Greater Flamingo, 6.1 feet
- Greater Rhea, 6.0 feet
- Southern Cassowary, 5.9 feet
- Sarus Crane, 5.9 feet
- Northern Cassowary, 5.9 feet
- Saddle-billed Stork, 5.9 feet
- Wattled Crane, 5.7 feet
- Japanese Crane, 5.2 feet
- Whooping Crane, 5.2 feet
They are so ugly they are cute.
We thought these spikes were on the posts to keep birds from perching and pooping.
Nice elevated boardwalk
HAPPY TRAILS & BIRDING, STEVE