Copano Bay (Causeway) South
28°06’49.4″N 97°01’31.9″W (see map) In the winter, scope for Common Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, and Common Loon. A large assortment of ducks can be found in the cove, along with Ruddy Turnstone, Spotted Sandpiper, Great Blue Heron, Reddish Egret. Parking area and limited services at the Copano Bridge Boat Ramp.
Copano Bay (Causeway) North
28 8.1202, -97 0.6131 (see map) Copano Bay (Causeway) North AKA North LBJ CAUSEWAY Located at the Northwest end of the LBJ Causeway over Copano Bay, this site has a limited shell parking space and access to the North shoreline of Copano Bay. This area is one of the few launches protected from a North wind and has access to a few birding sites along the shoreline.
North Cove Harbor Wetlands Sanctuary
160 Cove Harbor N., Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Shorebirds, Roseate Spoonbills, Rails, and Sparrows can be found here. North Cove Harbor Wetland Sanctuary is just north of Cove Harbor Marina. You will see the parking lot for the sanctuary on the left. This is a 100 acre wetland that is owned by the Aransas County Navigation District and is leased to Aransas First. There is an 800 foot boardwalk that has a covered area and bench at the end. This site is best in winter. It is very dependent on rain and tides. Shorebirds, Roseate Spoonbills, Rails, and Sparrows can be found here. Over 202 bird species have been documented at this site. The boardwalk was heavily damaged by Hurricane Harvey and has been reconstructed as of 2020.
Goose Island State Park Fishing Pier
202 S. Palmetto, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Goose Island St. Park Fishing Pier Located at the West end of the Fishing Pier on Goose Island, this is an excellent beginners launch area. Protected from the prevailing SE wind it affords access to fishing and birding.
Aransas Woods
Aransas Woods, 4333, 4351 TX-35, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) This site is home to Texas Coastal Birding Trail Site #47.Worked with FEMA and TDEM to replace the windmill and clear the miles of trails after the devastation from Hurricane Harvey. During “fallouts” coastal mottes such as Aransas Woods offer food and protection to thousands upon thousands of weary landbirds who might otherwise perish if forced to continue inland to the nearest contiguous forests. The site’s observation platform overlooks a complex of grassland, oak motte, and shallow wetlands, making this site attractive to birds and other wildlife year-round. Spring Species – Migrants along the woodland trails including Warblers, Orioles, Tanagers, Vireos and Flycatchers Fall and Winter Species – Marsh Wren, Sora, Swamp Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat Aransas Woods Hwy. 35 Bypass, about 1 mile north of 188 on the eastern side of road. Watch for the Great Texas Birding Trail sign. This location is a fresh water marsh surrounded by oak mottes and native grasses. Site has a windmill, walking tails and an observation deck. Aransas Woods has an ADA compliant walkway to elevated overlook.platform.plus grass maintained trails
Lamar – St. Charles Bay Boat Launch
175 Lamar Beach Rd, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) 28°08’32.6″N 96°58’35.3″W Lamar Navigation District Dock AKA St. Charles Bay Boat Launch – Located on the East side of Lamar Beach road on Lamar Peninsula just South of Fourth Street, this site affords access to the West side of St. Charles Bay for fishing and birding. Located just off shore are shell reefs that attract birds and fish. The Aransas County Navigation District owns and manages this site and is willing to make a special access point for kayakers. Adequate parking is in place. Fishing just off the South end of the launch is a pier that has a shell reef 30 yards off the end.
Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail
2429 Hwy 35 N, Rockport, TX 78382 (see map) Tule Creek Hike and Bike Trail is open from sunrise to sunset and is just over 1 mile (1.08 mi.) starting at the trail head at the north entrance of Walmart (turn right into the parking area in front of the gazebo) and connects via Enterprise Blvd. to the Memorial Park trail system.