Thank you to everyone who made this years festival a huge success – the 24th annual was our biggest ever!
Key Highlights
Attendance
We had a record year for attendance in the 24-year history:
- 850 people
- 34 states and three countries
Tours
All of the tours were very popular — especially the Whooping Crane boat tours, King Ranch and the sunset wine, birding and dolphin cruise.
Speakers
The speakers were a hit!
- Dr. George Archibald, Anne Lacy and Dr. Liz Smith (from the International Crane Foundation)
- Dave Brandt gave a great presentation on banding and tracking cranes
- Helen Panter from Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada
- Representatives from five zoos — Dallas Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, Houston Zoo, Calgary Zoo and Audubon Zoo
Volunteers
The festival was a success with help from all the fabulous local volunteers. Thanks to the Port Aransas Nature Preserve for coordinating the volunteer program.
Vendors
We had 35 vendors at Civic Center.
Whooping Cranes
The two Whooping Cranes that were visible at Leonabelle were a big hit — and a wonderful addition to the fest.
Media Coverage
The festival was covered by many local and regional media.
Special thanks to Jessica Melfi at Birdwatcher’s Digest.
Special Thanks
Our Sponsors
Dallas Zoo, Houston Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, Kowa, HEB, Swarovski Optik, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, City of Port Aransas.
Local Businesses
Port Aransas Art Center, Deep Sea Headquarters, Woody’s, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Ben E. Keith Foods.
Birding Guides
Dr. Joan Holt, Scott Holt, Mikael Behrens, Ray Dillahunty, Leslie Hoekstra, Julie Findley, Larry Jordan, Reta Pearson, Winnie Shrum, Rick Tinnin.
First Baptist Church
Thanks to First Baptist Church for letting us use their church for speaker sessions.
