whooping cranes

[rdking647]

took a boat in rockport texas to view the endangered whopping cranes which migrate to the aransas wildlife refuge to overwinter.
the weather overnight was bad and we didnt know if we would be able to go. after a 3 hour delay we decided to go out anyway.
good think we had plastic covers for teh cameras as we fought the rain for a couple hours until it finally stopped

ended up seeing about 20 of the cranes out of teh estimated 300 that are in the refuge . there are only 600 or so whoopers alive anywhere today


whooper with a crab

[elleng]

1. Great patience you have!

Even caught a crab!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Great photos!

Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures, and with a crab yet!

[democratisphere]

3. Nice pics of that beautiful bird.

Thank you.

[Laffy Kat]

4. Great shots. Don't know how you do it.

That one had a nom.

[mopinko]

5. shitty weather is often good birding.

especially if you are around at the end of a long rain. they have to get out and eat something before nightfall.
usually brings them out.

the only reason i would go to texas is that they have some great birding sites there.

must have been great to see them.

[Solly Mack]

6. Excellent!

[mnhtnbb]

7. Glad you were rewarded with some shots!

Thanks for sharing them with us.

[MagickMuffin]

8. Great Pics

The Crane looks so happy, probably because that crab was so delicious!