Famed as principal wintering ground for near-extinct whooping crane, refuge is on broad peninsula about 12 miles across bay northeast of Rockport. Administered by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as refuge for protection and management of various species of wildlife inhabiting this coastal area. Some 300 species of birds--Canada geese, pintail, and baldpate ducks, sand hill cranes, and more have been recorded. Other inhabitants include white-tailed deer, javelinas, and
raccoon. Sight-seeing, nature observation, hiking, and photography permitted along designated public-use roads, trails, and at observation towers; also picnic areas. Most rewarding time to view wildlife is Nov. through Mar., when greatest numbers of species are at refuge (including whoopers). Refuge is open daylight hours. Wildlife Interpretive Center features mounted specimens, slide show on whooping cranes, literature. Open daily 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. At refuge headquarters, about 35 miles northeast of Rockport via Texas 35 north; F.M. 774 east, and F.M. 2040 south.
One of the best ways to view wildlife, especially whoopers, is from boats in the intracoastal canal. From early November through early April, boats from the Rockport Yacht Basin and Sandollar Marina cruise past tidal flats and salt marshes (where many species may be seen) into the whoopers' habitat. Fares vary.
