Aransas Bird Days - Wings of Spring
Join Goose Island SP and Aransas Pathways for a countywide celebration of migration in Aransas County, Texas!
Get Ready for the Inaugural Aransas Bird Days of Spring 2026!
Each spring, the skies above the Texas Gulf Coast come alive as thousands of migratory birds travel along the Central Flyway Zone—one of North America’s most important migration routes. Nestled along this remarkable corridor, Aransas County offers rich coastal habitats that provide a vital resting place for migrating birds and an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Join us for the inaugural Aransas Bird Days of Spring 2026, a special two-day celebration of bird migration, coastal wildlife, and outdoor discovery in beautiful Rockport–Fulton, Texas.
Presented by Aransas Pathways and Goose Island State Park, this inaugural event invites visitors and locals alike to connect with nature, learn from experts, and experience the wonder of spring migration.
Activities will be offered in multiple locations. Below is a list of activities offered on location at Goose Island SP. To see a full list of activities and their locations, visit the event website.
Saturday, April 18
8:00-11:00am - Birding Van Tour of Goose Island SP (Registration Required)
Join TPWD staff on a guided bird tour of Goose Island State Park. This bird trip, led by local bird expert Ben Horstmann, will take you to the birding hotspots of Goose Island. Stops include Big Tree Natural Area, bayfront areas, and bird feeding stations. You can expect to spend about 30 minutes at each location in the park. Register here.
9:00am-2:00pm - Great Texas Birding Classic - Big Sit!
Your chance to participate in a birding competition. Bring your binoculars and help participants identify birds within a 50ft diameter circle. Where: Observation deck at the end of Redfish Road.
9:00-10:30am - Birding 101
Interested in birding, but not sure where to start? This presentation will introduce the basics to birding, followed by a short bird walk to put your newly learned skills to the test! Where: Recreation Hall
11:00am-12:00pm - Planting for Pollinators, presented by Kimberly Juarez, Founder of Tejas Prairie
South Texas is facing harsh droughts that don't appear to have an end in sight. This can turn your lush, green, lawns into a dry, dead, plot of land...unless you take advantage of planting natives! Native plants have built-in adaptations to keep them thriving in an environment that is too harsh for popular exotics. And when you plant natives, you'll see your lawn come to life with butterflies and other wildlife! Learn from an expert on what plants work best for south Texas. Where: Recreation Hall
Sunday, April 19
8:00-11:00am - Live Bird Banding Demonstration, presented by Rebekah Rylander, Kelly Bryan, and Rebecca Bracken
Experience research in action as bird banders capture, band, and release migratory birds. Learn how collecting this data can help scientists learn more about migratory birds. Where: Campsite #146. Parking available at the Turks Cap Trailhead across from site 146.