Did you know birding is the number one sport in America?  According to US Fish and Wildlife Service, you’ll find 51.3 million fellow birders in the United States alone, and that number only continues to grow! It’s no wonder birders from all over the country flock to Port Aransas to experience something they wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience any place else.  The Coastal Bend is the only place in the nation where you can catch a glimpse of the Whooping Crane at close range, hence an annual festival in honor of this popular endangered bird.  Birding tours by land and sea are highlights of the festival so you might encounter a Roseate Spoonbill, a Black-Bellied Whistling Duck, a Bittern along with an awesome array of other wintering migratory birds during your stay!  We’re looking forward to the upcoming 20th Celebration of the Whooping Crane Festival on Feb 25-28th.

Though it isn’t quite yet time to pack your binoculars, it is time to enter the 2016 Whooping Crane Festival T-Shirt Art Contest.  We invite any local artists and art students ages 18 and up to submit entry designs for the official 2016 Whooping Crane Festival T-Shirt, a must-have item for attendees!  Artists are asked to consider the 20th Anniversary as they create their designs.  Winners receive a $50 check, 2 registrations to the Whooping Crane Festival, 2 complimentary T-shirts and may even be asked to participate in T-shirt signings during the Whooping Crane Festival Trade Show!  Submissions will be accepted until October 30, 2015 by 5:00pm.  Check out the contest application here for more info.

It’s time to plan your winter escape! Call Port Royal Ocean Resort today at 800.242.1034 to book your next stay. Remember to like us on Facebook and subscribe to our email list to receive special members only deals to save on your next stay!