Port Aransas Beach houses are ideal for wildlife lovers who enjoy the Texas coast. One of the things the area is best known for is its population of endangered whooping cranes. These beautiful birds are celebrated at an annual festival held each February. Port Aransas has vast wetland areas which attract all kinds of migratory birds. In addition to birds, visitors to this area are likely to encounter several types of marine life and other Texas species while staying in Port Aransas vacation homes.
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island is home to one of Texas' best birding spots. You'll stand your best chance of seeing numerous birds during the regular spring and fall migrations. The park's staff offer interpretive ecological tours on request. This helps give you a better idea of what types of bird species you'll be observing and what other types of wildlife you'll see. One good way to see the sights in and around the park is by kayaking. The park also has 5 miles of open beach. The open beach provides visitors with plenty of fun opportunities to see shorebirds. Animals that you might see include coyotes, ground squirrels, cottontails, jackrabbits, raccoons and skunks.
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
This birding center is another top-ranked place to see various bird species that migrate through here or live here. It's found near the trolley stop on Ross St. in Port Aransas and is administered by the city. The wetland area is accessed through a boardwalk that lets you get close without disturbing the birds. In addition to birds, you have a good chance of seeing alligators. Be sure to observe any precautionary rules in effect due to the presence of alligators. You can catch a better look at the animals using mounted binoculars or by climbing the observation tower. Admission to the birding center is free, and you'll be glad you visited.
Port Aransas Nature Preserve
The preserve exists to provide a protected area for migratory bird species, while allowing public access. Like the birding center, this preserve is managed by the city. A boardwalk allows visitors to easily tour the preserve without impacting the ecosystem. A tower allows visitors to view the area around Salt Island effortlessly. You'll also find developed trails going through upland areas and trails suited to bicyclists. A total of 2 miles of trails are found here. As of fall 2010, a second phase of development was underway. The second phase includes a link to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center as well as extensions to the existing trail system.
Joan and Scott Holt Paradise Pond
This pond is conveniently located off of SH 361 and the Cut Off Road. This 2-acre area is a freshwater wetland, the only one of its kind on Mustang Island, as the other wetlands are saltwater. A chalkboard at the entrance lists the species that have been sighted during the day. Over 100 migratory species are commonly seen here. These include warblers and waterthrush. The setting includes coastal prairie and black willow trees.
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