Events

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 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.

Date and Time:Sunday, July 19, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. Location:History Center for Aransas County801 E. Cedar Street, Rockport, Texas Event Description: As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, join us at the History Center for Aransas County for a special Sunday Talk exploring Spain, Texas & the American Revolution. Pam Stranahan, one of the History Center’s original founders, will present an illustrated program followed by a discussion about the connections among Spain, Texas and the American Revolution. This program matters to Aransas Pathways because history is one of the four pillars through which we connect residents and visitors to Aransas County. Programs like this preserve local stories, place our community within the broader history of Texas and the nation, and encourage people to explore the places where that history continues to live. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Select “Going” to RSVP, invite a friend and share this event with your community. Then join us Sunday as we continue walking the pathways that connect our local heritage to the American story. #AransasPathways #HistoryCenterForAransasCounty #America250 #TexasHistory #RockportTexas

See migration science up close during a free Public Bird Banding event presented by Aransas Pathways as part of the 2026 HummerBird Celebration. Event Details Friday, September 18, 2026 8:00–11:00 AM Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary 1429 S. Church St., Rockport, Texas Free • Open to the Public • Come and Go Visitors can watch trained experts safely examine, measure, band, and release birds while learning how banding contributes to research on bird migration, health, and conservation. The program will feature Dr. Rebekah J. Rylander, Aransas Pathways Committee member, birding educator, and coastal conservation advocate and Dr. Rebecca Bracken is the Conservation Research Director at the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory (GCBO), where she leads avian research and conservation programs along the Texas Gulf Coast. A federally and state permitted bird bander, her work focuses on hummingbirds, migratory songbirds, shorebirds, and other coastal bird species. Bird activity varies with migration and weather conditions. Guests may occasionally be invited to experience a bird up close under a bander’s direct supervision, but this opportunity is not guaranteed. The birds’ safety and welfare will always come first.   Discover Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary This 6.25-acre Aransas Pathways site features oak motte, native grasses, gardens, trails, an observation platform, and valuable habitat for hummingbirds, monarchs, and other wildlife. The sanctuary preserves the legacy of Connie Hagar, celebrated as the “Bird Lady of Texas.” Her pioneering observations helped establish the Texas Coastal Bend as an important birding destination along the Central Flyway. The site is handicapped accessible, and parking is available along East First Street. Guests are encouraged to bring water, insect repellent, sun protection, and comfortable outdoor shoes. Register for this free event through the registration link on this page. View the complete 2026 HummerBird Celebration schedule of activities and speakers. Learn more about Aransas Pathways at www.aransaspathways.com.