Thank you to everyone who made this years festival a huge success – the 24th annual was our biggest ever!

Here are key highlights:

• We had a record year for attendance in the 24-year history: 850 people 
   –> 34 states and 3 countries
• All of the tours were very popular—especially Whooping Crane boat tours, King Ranch and the sunset wine, birding and dolphin cruise.
• The speakers were a hit! Dr. George Archibald, Anne Lacy and Dr. Liz Smith (all from the International Crane Foundation), Dave Brandt-great presentation on banding/tracking cranes, Helen Panter, from Wood Buffalo National Park in Canada, and representatives from 5 zoos-Dallas Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, Houston Zoo, Calgary Zoo and Audubon.
• Festival was a success with help from all the fabulous local volunteers! And thanks to Port Aransas Nature Preserve for coordinating volunteer program.
• 35 vendors at Civic Center.
• Special thanks to our sponsors: Dallas Zoo, Houston Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, Kowa, HEB, Swarovski Optik, Leaf Filter Gutter Protection, City of Port Aransas.
• 2 Whooping Cranes that were visible at Leonabelle were a big hit/wonderful addition to the fest! 
• Thanks to First Baptist Church for letting us use their church for speaker sessions.
• Thank you to local businesses: Port Aransas Art Center, Deep Sea Headquarters, Woody’s, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Ben E. Keith Foods.
• Thanks to local birding guides: Dr. Joan Holt, Scott Holt, Mikael Behrens, Ray Dillahunty, Leslie Hoekstra, Julie Findley, Larry Jordan, Reta Pearson, Winnie Shrum, Rick Tinnin.
• The festival was covered by many local and regional media, and special thanks to Jessica Melfi at Birdwatcher’s Digest.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the Silver Anniversary

February 25-28, 2021 in Port Aransas, Texas