Aransas Pathways

Rockport Big Blue Crab

28°01’36.8″N 97°02’47.0″W 1582 E Laurel St, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) The Big Blue Crab was originally a fixture on the DelMar Grill from 1957 through 1965. It was moved to Navigation Park in 1965, where it remained until 1976. The crab was constructed from Paper Mache, and met its demise in 1976 after it deteriorated beyond repair.

Fulton Community

Aransas Pathways Fulton Community display 4

205 N. 7th Street, Fulton, TX 78358 (see map) MARKER TEXT Located on Aransas Bay, the town of Fulton has a history closely associated with the fishing and shipping industry.  The town was founded in 1867 by George Ware Fulton, whose mansion is an important local landmark.  Schools, churches, and businesses were quickly established in the town.  A one-room schoolhouse, built in 1886, was relocated and adapted for use as a city hall.  In recent years tourism and commercial fishing and shrimping have become the city’s most important economic pursuits.  The town of Fulton was incorporated in 1978.  (1988) Fulton Community Display by Aransas County Historical Commission 106-100 Fulton Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map2)

Fulton Harbor

28°03’49.3″N 97°02’00.5″W (see map) Fulton Harbor is located in downtown Fulton, Texas. Fulton Harbor has historically been a commercial fishing boat harbor, but has become more popular as a recreational boat harbor in recent years.

Goose Island State Park

Aransas County Birding Big Tree Goose Island State Park 6

202 S. Palmetto, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Spring Species – Grosbeaks, Warblers, Flycatchers, Painted and Indigo Bunting Winter Species – Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Eared Grebes, Gadwall, American Wigeon, American White Pelican, Cassin’s Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow.

The Big Tree

1622 Twelfth St., Rockport (Lamar), TX 78382 (see map) Species – In spring and fall migration, warblers and buntings can be found near the tree. In winter, sparrows and thrashers can be found in the edges of the woods and in the grasses behind the tree.

Cavasso Creek

28°13’06.2″N 96°59’15.8″W N Hwy 35 N., Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Cavasso Creek North of Rockport on Hwy. 35 at the first bridge crossing a creek. There is a pull off on the south side of the bridge. Private property is on both sides of the road. Do not climb over fences. This is a brackish estuary marsh. Resident species – Clapper Rail and Seaside Sparrow Winter Species – Sora, Virginia Rail, Boat-tailed Grackle

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

6907 Hwy 35 N., Austwell, TX 77950 (see map) Aransas National Wildlife Refuge From Rockport, go north on Hwy 35. After crossing the Copano Bay Bridge, drive north for about 14 miles. Turn right on FM 774 and drive approximately 6 miles winding through the farm fields. Turn right again on FM 2040 and follow this road to the entrance. Winter home of endangered Whooping Crane Spring and Summer Species – Abundant spring migrants including warblers, vireos, grosbeaks and bunting. Swainson’s Warbler, Purple Gallinule, Brown-crested Flycatcher, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher Fall and Winter Species – Whooping Crane, Sandhill Crane, Couch’s Kingbird, White-tailed Kite, Redhead Resident Species – Clapper Rail, Seaside Sparrow, Black-crested Titmouse, White-tailed Hawk, Caracara, Pauraque.

Shell Ridge Road

Aransas County Birding Shell Ridge Road 6

2800 Shell Ridge Road, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) 28°00’07.7″N 97°03’32.9″W Resident species – Black-necked Stilt, Willet, Mottled Duck, Reddish Egret, Black Skimmers, Reddish Egret Spring and Summer Species – Least Tern nest in the fenced area near the road Winter species –  Lesser Scaup, large rafts of Redhead, Eared Grebe Shell Ridge Road Proceed south on Church Street past the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary. Shell Ridge Rd is on the left at the bend in the road. This is private property on both sides of the road. Please stay on the road in your car.

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