Arrive To: Check in to hotel at 3 pm

Afternoon: Welcome refreshments, orientation and introductions at 4:30 pm in the hotel meeting room.

Dinner: Dinner at local seafood restaurant.

Evening: Discussion of schedule destinations, target birds and binocular use.

Lodging: Best Western Ocean Villa

Meals Included: Dinner

• Cruise along the shores of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and marvel at the sight of these endangered whooping cranes. The only flock of naturally migrating whooping cranes in the world. In 1943 there were 14 birds now we have more than 300 thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. The cranes stand a commanding 5 feet tall. A wonderful photographic experience.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Early morning departure to Rockport for a fully narrated cruise along the shore of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge to study and view the only wild, naturally migrating flock of endangered whooping cranes left in the world. Oyster Catchers, plovers, hawks, and herons are among the many other birds we can expect to see. Deer, javelina, and other examples of local wildlife are often seen as we travel through the refuge.

Lunch: Delicious picnic lunch at the Rockport Beach Park. We'll watch the shore birds while we relax!

Afternoon: Birding on Lamar Peninsula near Big Tree (second oldest Live Oak in Texas).

Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.

Evening: Lecture on shore birds by Nan Dietert.

Lodging: Best Western Ocean Villa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Birding and wildlife opportunities await you as you take a fun hayride over riparian land and explore the rich habitat diversity of the Fennessey Ranch. • Observe some of the injured birds and turtles and hear about their injuries on a tour of the University of Texas Marine Science Institutes, Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK)

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Early departure the Fennessey Ranch, a working cattle ranch managed in an ecological manner. Birds and wildlife abound on the Fennessey!

Lunch: Lunch at Croufutt's Deli & Bakery.

Afternoon: Private tour of the the Animal Rehabilitation Keep (ARK) - home to recovering sea turtles and birds, followed by a walk around The Wetlands Education Center, a saltwater marsh on the UTMSI campus.

Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.

Evening: Public Lecture Series presentation on Albatross by Dr. Robin Doughty.

Lodging: Best Western Ocean Villa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: We'll have an early start to catch some birds at the Birding Center and then attend the Whooping Crane Festival - we provide passes to all scheduled speakers.

Lunch: Lunch at the University campus cafeteria.

Afternoon: We'll return to the auditorium for the remaining speakers. Afterwards we will bird along the beach as we return to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant.

Evening: Presentation TBA

Lodging: Best Western Ocean Villa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Early morning birding trip to Paradise Pond and morning festival speakers.

Lunch: Picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Festival activites, we'll spend a short time at the trade show and then more local birding. If you want to enjoy a free afternoon on your own, this is it! We can get you back to the hotel by 2:00. Suggested activities: Explore the Gulf beach, the Port Aransas Birding Center or Paradise Pond. Take a bay fishing trip (all tackle and bait provided), browse the local shops or explore Corpus Christi's Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington, Museum of Science and History and Columbus Fleet.

Dinner: Dinner at local restauant.

Evening: Social and wrap up.

Lodging: Best Western Ocean Villa

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Guided birding walk

Brunch: Pick up boxed lunch at 10 am. Check out hotel 11 am

Meals Included: Breakfast, Brunch