Our main reason to visit Goose Island State Park was to see the endangered Whooping Cranes. They are the tallest birds in North America and stand nearly 5 feet tall with a wingspan of about 7.5 feet. Beginning in September or October each year, the cranes migrate south about 2,500 miles from Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge about 35 miles north of the state park. After wintering in Texas, they begin their migration back north to Canada about mid March each year.
In the 1940’s, the Whooping Crane population had dwindled to about 20 individuals. Today, according to the International Crane Foundation, there are about 599 (captive and wild). A survey conducted in 2013-2014 estimated about 300 of the wild population winter on and around the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge.
A few of these spectacular birds sometimes make their way to a farmer’s field near the state park. There they feed and hang out with the cattle. There were sometimes as many as 11 Whooping Cranes at one time scattered around the field. Many thanks to Ingrid over at Live Laugh RV for the heads up on where to see them.
We went by the field every day to see what the Whoopers were up to. With their large size and brilliant white feathers with a rust colored spot on their head they are easy to spot.
Sometimes there would be Sandhill Cranes hanging around in the field, too. They are smaller than the Whoopers and have darker feathers.
One afternoon the Whoopers kept us entertained flapping their wings and jumping around.
When they took off it was sad to see them go but spectacular to watch.
The Whoopers were the star of the show but all around them there were a lot of other things going on in the field.
I’m happy to know that due to the work of many people, the population of these birds continues to grow. I feel privileged to be able to see them in the wild.
Wandering Dawgs 
Fantastic shots. I think you lucked out with your timing. I understand due to lots of rain the field was unusually flooded thus giving spectators fantastic opportunities to view these beauties. I love it when they put on a show 🙂
LikeLike
Ingrid, thank you! It poured down rain the night before we got there so the fields were pretty flooded. It was foggy and overcast every day. We never saw a clear blue sky. And the whoopers really did put on a show! I think the ones performing were pretty young. When I look closely at the photos I can see some of the brownish streaks in their feathers. Thanks again for the info about where to go!
LikeLike
Those were most likely the teenagers you were observing. Usually 3 hanging together. Your photos “almost” having me wanting to stay in Texas longer next season. Emphasis on “almost” 🙂
LikeLike
Ingrid, they probably were teenagers. There was a group of three that seemed to be showing off. I’m already thinking how I would like to return next winter and spend a little more time on the Texas coast.
LikeLike
You captured these beautiful birds perfectly. 🙂
LikeLike
Judy, thank you!
LikeLike
Fantastic pictures and great reminder about these amazing birds. Hopefully one day, we’ll get out there and see them in person! Ingrid has really started something….I think the birds love to perform!
LikeLike
Thank you! Yes, they appeared to be showing the Sandhil cranes who was boss! Or maybe it was mating dances. Whatever it was it was a sight to see.
LikeLike
So glad you’re getting to experience them…truly magestic!
LikeLike
I could have spent all day watching them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was at Aransas in early 1972. As I recall, there were less than 60 whooping cranes then. I’m glad to see they have increased ten-fold.
As usual, your photos are magnificent. I thought of a toe-dancer when I saw the one you labeled “Landing.” You caught it at the perfect moment.
Thanks for sharing.
>
LikeLike
Jean, thank you! Watching them strut around those Sandhill cranes and doing their dances was fantastic to see. They would carry on that like for a while, go back to eating, then start over again. Henry said they were mixing it up with the Sandhills!
LikeLike
I can see why you said you were having a good time despite the bad weather. What a privilege to get to see these gorgeous creatures. Wonderful shots of the jumping.
LikeLike
Thank you! They could really jump high! It was a wonderful thing to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What fabulous shots you got! I can hear the enthusiasm through your writing. We may have to make a trip back to TX just to see these beauties. 🙂
LikeLike
LuAnn, thank you! It’s worth the trip to see them!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great Pictures! Next time we travel to Texas we’ll have to head for the coast.
LikeLike
We really enjoyed the Texas coast. Seeing the whooping cranes was the highlight of of the trip so far.
LikeLike
What elegant birds the Whooping Cranes are! It would be amazing to see them, 5 feet tall! Wow!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so happy for you! What a wonderful experience you shared with hubby and the memory will stay with you forever. Beautiful photos of these birds, their struggle and survival is amazing. What a fun time you had!
LikeLike
Sheila, thank you. You are so right. I’ll always have fond memories of those cranes.
LikeLike
What a thrilling experience Beth! I want to so go there now, but I’m not sure I can get John to give up any of our winter time in the Keys. Hope you get some sunshine soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely Shots of the Whoopers!
Methinks that overcast is part of the description of Texas Winter Coastline….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Whoop, whoop! Magnificent creatures and you captured their every move! Thank You!
LikeLike
Thank you! They were spectacular to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow you lucked out on your goal! Lots of whoopers putting on a show for you!
LikeLike