The Aransas NWR is a 59,000 acre refuge adjacent to San Antonio and Aransas bays. These bays are separated from the Gulf of Mexico by Matagorda Island, much of which is also a National Wildlife Refuge. Unfortunately, only a small part of Aransas NWR, and none of Matagorda Island NWR, is accessible by car. For the most part, access to good wildlife viewing is by boat. Not having the time to hire a guide and a boat, I was restricted to whatever I could see on the park's loop road and a few short hikes.
Overall, I was disappointed with the access to the wildlife population. There were few birds within easy photo distance, even with a very long lens. Aransas NWR bills itself as the host to the largest flock of wintering Whooping Cranes in North America with around 200 birds. I saw none. Maybe I was here at the wrong time of year or maybe they were all in the inaccessible areas of the refuge. I didn't even see many shore or wading birds - an egret or two was it.
Aransas NWR does seem to have a thriving Turkey Vulture population. Other than it's dietary habits, it is a rather majestic bird. This bird is as large as an eagle - 32" head to tail, with a 6' wingspan.
A closer shot.
A vulture tree - decorated for vulture Christmas.
They frequently roost in large numbers --
Dagger Point, Aransas NWR. Almost a classic Japanese print.
A male American Kestrel, sometimes called a sparrow hawk.
This is a jay sized falcon - up to 12" long head to tail, with a 21" wingspan. You can find this little predator pretty much anywhere - he's even adapted to living in our large cities where he preys on . . . sparrows!
The biggest 'gator I've seen. This one is every bit of 12 feet long. You really have to be careful when you're hiking in these sub-tropical coastal areas. Right near this area I found a well worn and recently trodden alligator trail. During the day they do move about occasionally so it would not be unusual to run into one across your path. This bad boy could have you for a snack were he or she so inclined.
From one of the numerous ponds on the reserve.
Another resident of the reserve. I was told there is a rather large population of white tail. This is an eight point.
A net washed up on the beach.
These are travel days. Now I have to boogie on down the road if I expect to be in central FL for Thanksgiving. From Rockport TX to Osteen FL (the redneck capital of the world) is some 1200 miles. I spend the first night just to the right of Baton Rouge LA and the second night just to the right of Tallahassee FL.
On Monday I had to somehow get around Houston TX. They have a new bypass to the south that I10 traffic around the city. It also connects US 59 to I 10. This is a toll road and my guess is they paid for the construction in the first month it was open. There are four tolls between US 59 and I10 and for four axles the charge is $3.75 at three of them and $4.50 for the last one. That's almost $16 for a distance of 36 miles. Plus, you have to stop four times to pay the toll! Next time, I'll go through the city.
Thursday, 11/27/2003, Day 45.
Thanksgiving in Florida - temperatures from the mid-40s to the 80s. Not too bad at all!
This marks the end of my Fall adventure. Monday I'll be going home to PA for a few weeks, leaving the RV here in Florida. I'll be returning for Christmas and am planning a couple short trips in southern FL for the winter. I'll keep you posted!!