by John Jefferson
They travel over 2,500 air miles to Texas, so we can see them. The least we can do is drive to Rockport to do it.
I’m talking about the largest “snowbird” that comes to Texas for the winter. Whooping cranes are one of the largest birds in North America, slightly smaller than the California condor — but much prettier. And they’re arriving daily.
They’re also the poster-bird for conservation. Down to only 21 birds in 1941, they were placed on the Endangered Species List in 1967. They’ve since enjoyed life and a major recovery, now numbering 442 big birds in a 2015 survey.
They stand almost five feet tall, and have a 7.5 – foot wingspan. That helps them commute from Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada to Texas each fall, and back in the spring.
They’re jealously protected by federal and state game wardens, and an ever-increasing cadre of citizens who won’t hesitate to call the cops or Operation Game Thief (1-800-792-GAME ) if they detect a violation. I’ve seen it happen.
And whooping crane violations cost more than a slap on the wrist. In the wildlife world, it’s high crime. More further down.
An entire cottage industry has sprung up along the Texas coast with visitors coming from all over North America and beyond to see them.
There are several whooping crane tours operated out of Rockport that can take you alongside the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to see them. Getting out on land is prohibited, but the boats can get you reasonably close. Whoopers are often seen feeding in shallow water of the Intercoastal Waterway.
I talked to Capt. Tommy Moore last week. He’s a guide working out of Rockport with whom I’ve made several trips. They saw 34 cranes, Friday. Of the boats I’ve been on, the “Skimmer” that Tommy operates is the best, although I haven’t been on all of them.
It’s covered in case of rain, and fast enough to get across open water quickly, allowing more time for birding. It’s very comfortable. And Tommy’s excellent at identifying birds. Roughly 400 different species winter around the refuge.
His trip costs $55 a person for three hours, or more. They have restrooms. Kids under age 12 are ill-advised. For reservations, call (877) 892-4737.
Whoopers resemble white pelicans and snow geese – white with black wing tips — but with a red head. In flight, their neck and legs extend out noticeably. Waterfowl hunters, be careful — identify your target!
Whooping cranes might taste like chicken, but they’ll leave a bitter taste. Fines are fierce, and rightly so. The most recent whooper-shooter was a fool near Beaumont who shot two with a rifle. He was convicted, fined $26,000, placed on five years’ probation, and his hunting and fishing privileges were suspended WORLD-WIDE.
He was later charged with illegal hunting, again, and his probation was revoked. He’s currently serving 11 months in federal prison.
Shooting one makes a federal case out of it!
JJ
