To The Novice
So as not to confuse the Whooping Crane with some of our other large white birds (Wood Stork, Great Egret, White Ibis, White Pelican, Snow Goose), here are some quick reference points to look for when in doubt.
- Cranes, ibis, storks, fly with neck EXTENDED. Pelicans and herons fly with neck FOLDED.
- Cranes, storks, pelicans, and ibis GLIDE. Snow geese FLAP.
- Wood stork have dark head and neck and shouldn’t be here when the Whooper is here.
- Ibis has a prominently curved bill.
- Whooper is tallest of wading birds with its neck the length of its body.
- Whooper is always in family group of no more than four. Other are in large flocks. Great egrets are usually solitary.
Come Celebrate the Hummingbird with us at Rockport/Fulton’s Annual Hummingbird Celebration - a joint project by the Rockport/Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce & Coastal Bend Audubon Society.
Spectacular is the word to describe the fall migration of the Ruby-throated Hummingbird! One can see from 100-200 individuals at a single feeder! The event features speakers, field trips, workshops, booths and much much more. It is generally held the first part of September. Call the Rockport/Fulton Area Chamber of Commerce, 1-800-242-0071, for information on specific dates.
The stately WHOOPING CRANE, a federally endangered species, is making a welcome comeback. Local residents are rightfully proud that the cranes spend their winter months at nearby Aransas Wildlife Refuge from October through April. From the Observation Tower, or by driving through the Refuge, one might get to gaze in on some of the day-to-day activities of this great bird. A fairly certain way to get a closer look is to take one of several birding boat tours available from the Rockport/Fulton area.
