The Whooping Crane is the rarest of the world’s 15 crane species and is the tallest bird in North America. In 1941 the population had dwindled to just 15 birds. Now through valiant efforts of many people and organizations the migratory flock which travels from Canada to winter here at on the Texas coast is estimated to be over 250. While the cause of the recently discovered dead whooping crane on Aransas Bay has not yet been determined we ask that all hunters take extra care. Cranes stand 5 feet with a blazing red skull cap; flying they have a 7 foot wing span with black wingtips, long neck and long legs extending beyond their body. Whooping cranes can be sited in various locations from boat tours out of Rockport, viewing platforms in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and sometimes along local roads in agricultural fields as they come for fresh water and leftover grain. You can enjoy a great opportunity to see these magnificent birds during the upcoming Whooping Crane Festival, February 19-22 in Port Aransas or by visiting Aransas National Wildlife refuge just a 45 minute drive from Port O’Connor.  For more details: www.whoopingcranefestival.org      www.fws.gov/refuge/aransas

Provided by Mid-Coast Chapter Texas Master Naturalist