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ROCKPORT — Whooping crane watching tours at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge are in full swing and most of the cranes have migrated from the Canada.
With 22 juveniles spotted nesting, the flock, which is the only naturally occurring whooping crane population in the world, is expected to maintain its number around 250. Every fall it migrates south to the refuge north of Rockport with youngsters in tow. They stay through early spring before heading back to Wood Buffalo National Park in northern Canada where they nest and raise babies.
The flock population, which usually grows by half a dozen every year, fell by 23 in South Texas last winter as the result of food and freshwater shortages brought on by the extended drought.
This year whoopers hatched only 52 chicks in Canada — a six-year low — and only 22 survived.
The best opportunity to see the birds via land is at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge’s observation tower. Excursions on boats with enclosed cabins, observation decks, and restrooms provide an up close look at these 5-foot tall white birds. Tours are professionally narrated by ornithologists and master naturalists. Binoculars are available for rent or loan.
Tourists can pick up a bird watcher’s checklist at the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce located at 404 Broadway between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. There is a $5 participation fee.
For more information, contact the Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce at (361) 729-6445 or (800) 242-0071, or visit rockport-fulton.org.