Keep An Eye Out for Whooping Cranes! Winter not only means cooler temperatures, but it also means it is time to see migratory birds heading South for warmer temperatures. In November, a pair of Whooping Cranes were spotted near Matagorda Island: some of the first to arrive. The majority of birds arrive in December at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

Whooping Cranes are very rare. Only an estimated 543 individuals remain. Through intensive efforts, they have slowly returned from the original 18 birds recorded in the 1940’s. Texas Parks and Wildlife and the Fish and Wildlife Services has truly cracked down on Whooping Cranes’ safety. They insure protection. If someone was to accidentally kill a Whooping Crane, they could face up to a year in prison and even a $50,000 fine.

If you believe you have spotted a Whooping Crane, please head over to the TPWD’s Whooper Watch on iNaturalist. It will allow you to report a sighting and help the officials track their migration across the state and country. Feel free to click on the link below to get more information.

In conclusion, while you Keep An Eye Out for Whooping Cranes, come visit us! We are open Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 6215 FM 521 Arcola, Texas 77583 or contact us 281-431-1014.