Spring has sprung here at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge!  Warblers and other passerines are migrating through, turtles are laying eggs, fawns are being born, frogs are singing, snakes are moving, butterflies and moths abound, and the mosquitoes…well, we won’t talk about the mosquitoes.  Let’s just say that we’re thankful for all the rain we’ve gotten and the effects it’s had on MOST of our wildlife species.  If you haven’t been out in awhile, it’s time for a visit.  It really is a beautiful time of year at the refuge!
The refuge is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.  Come drive along our auto tour or hike a trail.  Make sure to bring water, snacks, and bug spray – and your binoculars and camera, too!  The visitor center is open Thursday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Make sure to stop and register.  Fees are $3 per individual (children 18 or younger are free) or $5 per vehicle.  If you have a current Federal Duck Stamp, Aransas annual pass, or any of the America the Beautiful passes (senior, access, annual, military, volunteer), entry is also free.
Finally, if you haven’t had a chance to check out this year’s report on Whooping Crane wintering numbers, a record 308 birds were estimated!  You can view the full report at http://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/WHCR%20Update%20Winter%202014-2015.pdf

Photo by Laura A. Bonneau USFWS