Keeping an Eye out for Whooping Cranes! Winter not only means cooler temperatures. 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. Making them some of the first to arrive! The majority of birds arrive in December. They are commonly seen at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.

Whooping Cranes are very rare. Sadly, it is estimated that only 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. They want to be sure they are protected. Were someone to accidentally kill a Whooping Crane, they could face up to a year in prison and even a $50,000 fine.

If, by chance, you spot a Whooping Crane, first visit Is it a Whooping Crane? to double-check your identification. If you still believe it is a Whooping Crane, please submit your observation(s) with photos to the Texas Nature Trackers project Texas Whooper Watch. This project is only for observations of Whooping Cranes that were made in Texas.  Please do not trespass on private land! And, only submit legally obtained observations.

If you’ve been keeping an eye out for whooping cranes and spot one, visit Arcola Feed and tell us all about it!