Early Bird U-Drive Tour – Aransas Bird Days 2026
In partnership with Aransas First Land Trust Start your morning with the birds. Join us for a self-guided birding experience at Cove Harbor, hosted in partnership with Aransas First Land Trust and Ms. Debbie Griffith. Drive at your own pace and explore coastal birding hotspots while enjoying the quiet beauty of the Texas coast. Date: April 19, 2026 Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM Location: 2590 HWY 35 S, Rockport, TX 78382 First 30 guests to check in will receive a giveaway from Aransas Pathways and partners. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aransas-bird-days-2026-early-bird-u-drive-tour-tickets-1985941731178 Waiver required (must be completed before arrival): https://aransaspathways.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/WaiverReleasePathways-with-emergency-contact.pdf All participants must complete the waiver prior to joining the tour. Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails.
Cove Harbor Bird Sanctuary and Wetland
Aransas Bird Days 2026: Pathways promotes Goose Island Van Tour
As part of Aransas Bird Days – Wings of Spring, Aransas Pathways is proud to highlight this special partner-led experience at Goose Island State Park, in collaboration with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Join TPWD staff and local birding expert Ben Horstmann for a guided van tour through some of the park’s most celebrated birding hotspots. This curated experience offers a closer look at iconic locations such as the Big Tree Natural Area, scenic bayfront habitats, and active bird feeding stations—each stop designed to immerse participants in the rich coastal ecosystem. Guests can expect approximately 30 minutes at each location, allowing time for observation, photography, and learning in a relaxed, small-group setting. Book your tour here: Aransas Bird Days – Goose Island Van Tour Waiver required for participation.Please complete before arrival: Van Tour Waiver Event DetailsSaturday, April 188:00 AM – 11:00 AM Meeting LocationAransas County Courthouse Parking Lot308 N Live Oak St., Rockport, TX 78382 This experience is designed to be accessible to most participants. For specific accessibility questions, guests are encouraged to contact Ranger Sara directly. What to BringWater, weather-appropriate clothing, and binoculars (a limited number will be available for loan) Additional Information• Capacity is limited to 14 participants• Park entrance fees will be waived• No meals or snacks will be provided• Pets are not permitted in the van• Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian• Program may be subject to cancellation due to weather or low attendance This is a wonderful opportunity to experience Goose Island through the lens of local expertise—connecting visitors to the landscapes, wildlife, and stories that define the Texas coast. Join us for Aransas Bird Days 2026 and explore:Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails.
Aransas Pathways Bird Talk with Dr. Carter Crouch (International Crane Foundation)
Aransas Pathways invites the community to an evening presentation with Dr. Carter Crouch of the International Crane Foundation. This program will explore the broader themes of bird life and migration, offering insights into the seasonal movements of birds, their ecological significance, and the importance of conservation efforts across regions. Set within the Texas Coastal Bend, this event highlights Aransas County’s role as a vital stopover and habitat for migratory bird species. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation of how local landscapes connect to global migration patterns and conservation initiatives. Event DetailsDate: April 18, 2026Location: Community Center for Aransas County Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7xrYKQMX49Vg52im6 Doors Open: 5:00 PM Program Start: 6:00 PM This presentation is open to the public and is part of the Aransas Bird Days of Spring celebration, welcoming birders, nature enthusiasts, and community members of all backgrounds.
Pathways Family Birding Event & Craft Time
Where: Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary 1429 S Church St, Rockport, TX Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7NMHh4NTvG6qXqLk8 What: Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun and educational day celebrating birds and nature at the beautiful Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary. This family-friendly event features a mini bird walk, an introduction to birding for all ages, hands-on nature crafts for youth, and opportunities to learn more about local birds and their habitats. Bring: sun protection, bug spray, hydration Accessibility: This event takes place on an uneven surface. Accessible parking nearby.
Aransas Bird Days 2026: Pathways Bird banding at Linda Castro Nature Sanctuary
Live Bird Banding Experience: Science in Action Where: Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary, 4041 Hwy 35 N Bypass, Rockport, TX 78382 Google Map:https://maps.app.goo.gl/aar9sa58FBQrR8JZ8 What: Get an up-close look at the fascinating world of bird science during a live bird banding demonstration led by three experienced researchers working along the Texas Gulf Coast: Rebekah Rylander, Kelly Bryan, and guest bird bander Rebecca Bracken of the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory. Learn why and how this research is used. No registration required. Bring: a chair , hydration, bug spray, and sun protection Accessibility: This program is located on a flat surface with accessible parking on-site.
Pathways & Goose Island State Park Aransas Bird Days 2026
A countywide spring migration celebration featuring guided birding experiences, family programming, and coastal conservation stories across Aransas County.
Join a Global Birding Moment — Right from Aransas County
A self-paced community science birding event inviting participants to observe and share bird sightings from anywhere in Aransas County, February 13–16, 2026.
Up Close with Hummingbirds: Banding Demonstration
Up Close with Hummingbirds: Banding Demonstration Sept. 27th 8-10 AM Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary – 4041 Hwy 35 N, Rockport Refreshments provided Have you ever wanted to see one of the world’s smallest birds close up? Well now is your chance! Join Dr. Rebekah Rylander for a hummingbird banding demonstration where she will ethically catch, tag, and release hummingbirds for research and educational purposes. Information collected from hummingbird banding is important for understanding migration movements, hummingbird health, and conservation planning. Activities will be conducted under appropriate federal and state permits by trained professionals. Rebekah Rylander grew up in central Texas and earned her bachelor’s degree at UT Austin. While attending the university, she took her first ornithology course which inspired her to assist in various bird-related field projects across the globe, including Australia, Ecuador, Hawaii, and Canada. Eventually, Rebekah settled into Texas State University where she earned her Master’s degree and PhD examining social behaviors and population dynamics of the Black-crested Titmouse in San Marcos, Texas. After receiving her doctorate, Rebekah was hired as the Science Coordinator for the Rio Grande Joint Venture, where she has been involved designing and implementing monitoring programs in south and west Texas, assisting with grassland-focused workshops in Mexico, and continuing to build collaborative relationships with other bird-habitat conservation partners within the RGJV geography. Rebekah has assisted and led Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) birding expeditions in southeast Arizona, established the Christmas Bird Count circle in San Marcos, and has given dozens of presentations on her research and other bird-related topics. Rebekah is also a master bander and holds educational bird banding demonstrations for naturalist groups and at school functions. Click here to register for the event, registration will close when we reach 25 applicants.
Bird Day With Pathways
Join us for a delightful exploration of the avian world with Aransas Pathways! Enjoy a day filled with fun and learning about our feathered friends, offering activities for all ages, along with food and beverages provided. Click here for a printable copy of the schedule Schedule of Events Bird Banding DemonstrationsJoin Dr Rebekah Rylander (Science Coordinator for the Rio Grande Joint Venture under American Bird Conservancy) and Dr Rebecca Bracken (Conservation Research Director at Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) for a bird banding demonstration, which collects data on migration, survival, and longevity by safely marking and releasing birds. Banding stations also educate the community on the importance of this research and how individuals can aid in avian conservation. Learn more about Dr Rylander and Dr Bracken by clicking here *Registration required https://aransaspathways.com/bird-banding-april-2025/ 1st demonstration 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM2nd demonstration 9:30 AM -11:30 AM Location: Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary – Pavilion Birding ToursJoin Ranger Sara Rock (The Interpretive Ranger at Goose Island State Park) for an enjoyable birding adventure as we discover the avian wonders of Rockport-Fulton, searching for spring migratory birds while appreciating the breathtaking trails of Aransas Pathways. Click here to learn more about Ranger Sara *Registration required – for more information and registration:https://aransaspathways.com/birding-tour-april-2025/ 1st Tour 7:00 AM – 9:00 AMStarts at Linda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary 2nd Tour 9:30 AM -11:30 AMStarts at Tule W – Pathways Pavilion Coffee, water & Doughnuts will be provided in the AM 11:30 AM Panjos pizza will be provided at Linda S. Castro 10 AM – 1 PM KIDS ACTIVITIES & EDUCATION TABLESCovered area and seating availableLinda S. Castro Nature Sanctuary – 4140 HWY 35 N, Rockport Binocular Basics For Kids – Cheryl JohnsonFun craft where kids will make their own practice binoculars along with a lesson to teach them how to become binocular pros. Let’s Paint a Birdhouse – Terry & Katy Darby, ACRTABring home a beautifully decorated birdhouse, complete with your own personal touch using paint and stickers. Linda Castro Nature Sanctuary Scavenger Hunt – Cynthia Baker and Melissa Guthrie, Texas Master NaturalistExperience some nature-inspired excitement by participating in a scavenger hunt where you’ll search for the items listed on your card. Bird Walk – Jim & Rebecca Farnsworth, Aransas PathwaysHave fun walking the circle of birds and discover fascinating facts for a chance to win a prize. Raquel’s Face Painting – Raquel NicolousHave fun choosing a design inspired by birds or nature to have painted on your skin. Adapt-a-Bills – Ranger Skye EvansBirds are uniquely equipped for different ecosystems and food sources. In Adapt-a-Bills, learn about how different birds’ beaks can be used as tools for survival! Cupcakes & Feathers – Rich and Tizz Connell, Aransas PathwaysCreate a cupcake masterpiece as you explore the vibrant world of colorful birds! What’s Your Wingspan? Kay Adams & Linda Shirey, Wings Rescue CenterExplore how your wingspan measures up against that of various birds 12:00 Presentation Do you eat like a bird?Linda S. Castro 4140 Hwy 35 N, RockportExperience the beautiful Linda S. Castro site as Greg Simmons and Sally Scroggs guide you through the diverse flora and highlight the significance of native plants for our insects and birds, along with their vital roles in our ecosystem. 1 PM – 2 PM The Japanese Practice of Forest Bathing499 Ivy Lane, Rockport D’Ann Wiilliams will conduct a meditative and relaxing hike as we commune with the natural world at Ivy Lane Birding and Nature Site. ***Optional items recommended for some events: Insect repellentLong sleeves, pants and comfortable walking shoes*Binoculars and or camera (loaner binoculars will be available o a first come first basis)Hydration For inquiries, please call Aransas Pathways 361-556-5308.