Overview
Aransas NWR is one of more than 545 National Wildlife Refuges in the USA, and is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). It is one of the most popular birding areas in Texas, famous as the best site in the world for the largest wild flock of the endangered Whooping Crane. In addition, a large number of other birds can be seen there. More than 392 species have been recorded in total, one of the longest birdlists from any of the USA's network of wildlife refuges.
Notable Species
The cranes are present from late October to early April and to reduce undue disturbance the interior of the refuge is closed. However, the cranes can be seen with telescopes from an observation tower. Other birds present include Sandhill Crane, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, White Ibis and White-faced Ibis as well as numerous waterfowl, waders, rails, and Wild Turkey.
