This region is internationally known for spectacular birding. The wide sandy beaches, major bay systems, extensive marshlands, creeks, ponds, grasslands, and heavy mesquite brush of South Texas provide habitats for an incredible variety of birds and wildlife - 450 bird species, an abundance of javelinas, big cats, deer, and coyotes. We get an absorbing overview of Mustang Island's fragile ecosystems on a research vessel. At Aransas Wildlife Refuge we study the only remaining natural migrating flock of whooping cranes and discuss the extraordinary efforts to save them. We continue our exploration at Kingsville and King Ranch (825,000 acres) - an area larger than Rhode Island - where the variety of habitats attract a rich diversity of wildlife, including tropical and migratory bird species. Participate in the famous King Ranch Ranch Hands Breakfast and the Kingsville Birding and Wildlife Festival.
Program in association with University of Texas Marine Science Institute.
Itinerary
Arrival Port Aransas, 4 nights; van to Kingsville, 2 nights; van to Port Aransas, 1 night; departure.
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