Found an Injured Bird in Aransas County? Here’s How Our Community Can Help
Aransas Pathways has recently received calls from residents concerned about injured, sick, or orphaned birds. Each call reflects something special about Aransas County: our community notices wildlife, cares about its well-being, and is willing to help. Knowing whom to contact—and what to do while waiting—can give an injured wild bird its best chance of recovery. Contact Wings Rescue Center in Rockport When a wild bird needs assistance, contact Wings Rescue Center, a nonprofit avian rescue and wildlife rehabilitation organization based in Rockport, Texas. Founded in 2016 by Kay Adams, Wings Rescue Center is a state- and federally permitted rehabilitation center serving Aransas County and surrounding communities. Guided by its mission of “Rescue, Rehab, Release and Education,” Wings cares for birds ranging from hummingbirds and hatchlings to pelicans and birds of prey. Its goal is to rehabilitate injured, sick, and orphaned birds and return them safely to the wild whenever possible. A Volunteer-Run Community Resource Wings Rescue Center is operated entirely by volunteers. Its dedicated team responds to rescue calls, provides specialized feeding and care, maintains enclosures, coordinates medical treatment, and prepares recovering birds for release. Because volunteers may be caring for other birds, responding to rescues, or unavailable after hours, someone may not always answer immediately. If your call is not answered, leave a detailed message that includes: Your name and telephone numberThe bird’s locationIts approximate size or species, if knownA description of its conditionWhether the bird is contained or still outdoors Providing clear information helps volunteers understand the situation and determine the safest response. What to Do When Wings Rescue Center Is Closed If you find a small, non-dangerous bird and can safely contain it, place it in a secure, ventilated cardboard box lined with a clean towel. Keep the box indoors in a dark, quiet, temperature-controlled area away from children and pets until Wings Rescue Center reopens or a permitted rehabilitator provides instructions. Do not give the bird food or water unless directed by a wildlife rehabilitation professional. Feeding or giving water incorrectly may cause additional harm. Never attempt to handle a raptor, heron, pelican, or another large bird that could injure you. Keep people and pets at a safe distance and wait for professional guidance. Why Wildlife Rescue Matters to Our Community The people of Aransas County are often the first to notice when a wild bird is in distress. By observing carefully, reporting responsibly, and following expert guidance, every resident can help begin a bird’s rescue story. Wings Rescue Center provides the specialized knowledge and rehabilitation care, while concerned residents serve as the eyes, ears, and compassionate hearts of our community. Aransas Pathways is proud to help connect residents and visitors with the people and resources protecting the birds and habitats that make our county extraordinary. Caring for wildlife is part of caring for the place we call home. Wings Rescue Center Contact Information Wings Rescue Center324 W. Third St.Rockport, TX 78382Rescue line: (361) 205-0892Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.Website: www.wingsrescue.com Please save and share this information with your family, neighbors, and fellow nature lovers. When our community knows whom to call and what to do, wildlife has a better chance.
(FREE to Join) Kayak at Sunset | Aransas Pathways
Join Aransas Pathways for Kayak at Sunset on June 19, 2026. Paddle across scenic Copano Bay, enjoy coastal views, and experience one of Aransas County’s signature outdoor adventures. Registration required.
Meet Jim Farnsworth: Helping Lead the Kayaking Vision of Aransas Pathways
Discover the inspiring journey of Jim Farnsworth, a dedicated volunteer leader at Aransas Pathways, where kayaking transcends adventure to embrace community, conservation, and wellness. With over 25 years of experience in Scouting and outdoor education, Jim is passionate about connecting people to the stunning waterways of Aransas County. Join us as we explore how kayaking serves as a crucial pillar of Aransas Pathways, promoting sustainable tourism and enriching the coastal heritage. Dive into the stories and landscapes that make this region unique, and discover how you can be part of this transformative experience!
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.
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 Pathways Guided Nature & Historical Tour of Aransas County
Registration Required – limited seating available Eventsbrite Tour Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984933762316 Departure location: Aransas County Courthouse Parking Area 301 N Live Oak St, Rockport, TX 78382. The van departs promptly at 8:30am. Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDJUjWkcaAcvehX78 What : A guided nature and history van tour of Aransas County. Discover the beauty, wildlife, and rich coastal heritage of Aransas County on this guided Nature & Historical Tour. Lunch is not provided. Bring : snacks and your sense of adventure!
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.
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.
🎄 Christmas on the Beach & Volunteer Thank You Day
📅 December 27, 2025 (Saturday)⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM📍 Rockport Beach, Texas Join us for a magical evening at Rockport Beach as Aransas Pathways celebrates the heart of our mission — our volunteers, partners, and community stewards who keep the spirit of Birding, History, Kayaking, and Trails alive all year long. This festive gathering is our way of saying thank you for helping Aransas County shine as a premier ecotourism and heritage destination in the Coastal Bend. What to Expect ✨ Cozy beachfront Christmas atmosphere✨ AP volunteer recognition moments✨ Meet the Aransas Pathways team & site stewards✨ Sign-up opportunities for 2026 volunteer programs✨ Light snacks & good community vibes✨ Perfect sunset photo moments along the shore Why This Event Matters Aransas Pathways is built on people — volunteers, partners, and local champions who share their time and heart to sustain our trails, birding sites, kayak launches, and history spaces. This special evening honors YOU — the hands, hearts, and stories behind our shared success. Volunteer Sign-Up & 2026 Opportunities Looking to get involved next year?Stop by our Volunteer Table to explore upcoming opportunities in: Events & outreach Birding programs & citizen science Trail stewardship Kayaking activities Historical and cultural programming 👉 Sign up here:www.AransasPathways.com/volunteer/?utm_source=website&utm_medium=events&utm_campaign=COTB2025
December in Aransas County — Where Community Shines Brightest
December in Aransas County is more than a calendar full of events — it’s a living reminder of our resilience, togetherness, and small-town charm. From shoreline lights to historic streets, every corner of Rockport–Fulton shines with community spirit all month long. December has arrived, and with it comes a season of celebrations across Rockport–Fulton and Aransas County. Our partners have lined up a full month of events that reflect who we are as a community — resilient, welcoming, and grounded in the spirit of togetherness. From Tropical Christmas and Christmas on the Beach, to historic home tours, art walks, concerts, markets, and holiday nights in the District — every corner of our county is alive with small-town charm and big-hearted energy. It’s a reminder that after everything this community has weathered, especially since Hurricane Harvey, Aransas County continues to rise with strength, creativity, and purpose. These festivities are more than events — they are proof of our shared resilience, our deep community roots, and the warmth that draws visitors, Winter Texans, and sojourners back year after year. As Aransas Pathways, we are grateful to stand alongside our partners in celebrating what makes this county extraordinary. And through our own Christmas on the Beach Volunteer Appreciation Night we want to kick off the month by inviting everyone to explore, support, and participate in the many holiday events happening throughout December. Every gathering, every stroll, every shared moment helps strengthen our community spirit — and that is the heart of our advocacy. Become Part of the Pathways Story If you believe in what we do, and if you want to be part of the small-but-mighty movement that keeps our trails, kayak sites, birding spots, and heritage venues thriving, we invite you to join us as a volunteer. Be part of the Pathways story. Become a Steward or Ambassador this season. Sign Up as a Volunteer: https://aransaspathways.com/volunteer-december Aransas Pathways Birding. History. Kayaking. Trails.One County, Countless Adventures. Photo Courtesy of Rockport-Fulton Chamber & Rockport Cultural Arts District