2020-03-17 Aransas By Sea

Read the blog

50 Photos

American Oystercatcher - Haematopus palliatus — **American Oystercatcher**
*(Haematopus palliatus)*

**Description:**
Oystercatcher on the oyster shoal. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:51

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** AmericanOystercatcher_D504083-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Pin It — **American Oystercatcher**
*(Haematopus palliatus)*

**Description:**
Oystercatcher on the oyster shoal. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:51

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** AmericanOystercatcher_D504083-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Barge Bound For Louisiana - Scenery — **Barge Bound For Louisiana**
*(Scenery)*

**Description:**
We had give way to bigger shipping when looking for the cranes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:25

**Location:**

Spanish Village
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 7, 70 mm, f/11.0, 1/640

**File Name:** BargeBoat_Z7X1333-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Black Skimmer - Rynchops niger — **Black Skimmer**
*(Rynchops niger)*

**Description:**
These weren't the best skimmer images I've taken, but they help to document the story of birds on this voyage. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:05

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500

**File Name:** BlackSkimmer_D503733-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis — **Brown Pelican**
*(Pelecanus occidentalis)*

**Description:**
This bird was following our boat, flying low over the water. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:41

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250

**File Name:** BrownPelican_D503617-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Bufflehead - Bucephala albeola — **Bufflehead**
*(Bucephala albeola)*

**Description:**
My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:30

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250

**File Name:** BuffleHead_D503604-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Coyote - Canis latrans — **Coyote**
*(Canis latrans)*

**Description:**
This Coyote passing by the cranes a few dozen yards away did not go unnoticed by the great birds, who bugled calls announcing its presence. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:43

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/640

**File Name:** Coyote_D503965-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Crested Caracara - Caracara cheriway — **Crested Caracara**
*(Caracara cheriway)*

**Description:**
Caracaras kept an eye on our boat as we slowly passed by. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:56

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** CrestedCaracara_D504110-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Double-Crested Cormorant - Phalacrocorax auritus — **Double-Crested Cormorant**
*(Phalacrocorax auritus)*

**Description:**
This cormorant flew low past us while we looked for cranes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:47

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** DoubleCrestedCormorant_D503673-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Dowitcher Species - Limnodromus sp. — **Dowitcher Species**
*(Limnodromus sp.)*

**Description:**
Short-Billed? Long-Billed? I couln't say, but given the proximity to saltwater, Short-Billed would seem likely. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:23

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** Dowitcher_D503588-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Forster's Tern - Sterna forsteri — **Forster's Tern**
*(Sterna forsteri)*

**Description:**
Flying high over our boat, this tern was probably looking for somewhere to hunt small fish. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:57

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/2000

**File Name:** ForstersTern_D503726-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Great Blue Heron - Ardea herodias — **Great Blue Heron**
*(Ardea herodias)*

**Description:**
I met this bird on the docks before our boat was ready to board. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 8:50

**Location:**

Fulton Harbor
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** GreatBlueHeron_D503462-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Herring Gull - Larus argentatus — **Herring Gull**
*(Larus argentatus)*

**Description:**
My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:44

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1250

**File Name:** HerringGull_D503639-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Laughing Gull - Leucophaeus atricill — **Laughing Gull**
*(Leucophaeus atricill)*

**Description:**
Ever the oppotunists, this gull followed our boat hoping to find a morsel in our wake. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:05

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/2500

**File Name:** LaughingGull_D503750-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Long-Billed Curlew - Numenius americanus — **Long-Billed Curlew**
*(Numenius americanus)*

**Description:**
This curlew picked up from the marsh near where the cranes were foraging. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:43

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1600

**File Name:** LongBilledCurlew_D503952-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Neotropic Cormorant - Phalacrocorax brasilianus — **Neotropic Cormorant**
*(Phalacrocorax brasilianus)*

**Description:**
Neotropic Cormorants are much smaller than their Double-Crested cousins. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:47

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** NeotropicCormorant_D503700-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Oyster Shucking - Scenery — **Oyster Shucking**
*(Scenery)*

**Description:**
Shucking oysters is apparently a top-dollar job in this region. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 9:47

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 7, 70 mm, f/11.0, 1/800

**File Name:** OysterBoat_Z7X1227-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Purple Martin - Progne subis — **Purple Martin**
*(Progne subis)*

**Description:**
Against a gray sky, these Purple Martins made nice silhouettes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 8:22

**Location:**

Fulton Harbor
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** PurpleMartin_D503163-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Royal Tern - Thalasseus maximus — **Royal Tern**
*(Thalasseus maximus)*

**Description:**
This Royal Tern passed by our boat at eye-level. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:47

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** RoyalTern_D503687-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Ruddy Turnstone - Arenaria interpres — **Ruddy Turnstone**
*(Arenaria interpres)*

**Description:**
Even before our launch these Ruddy Turnstones entertained me as I watched them foraging along the dock. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 8:38

**Location:**

Fulton Harbor
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/400

**File Name:** RuddyTurnstone_D503234-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Aransas By Sea - Scenery — **Aransas By Sea**
*(Scenery)*

**Description:**
I tried to capture some of the scenery as we steamed towards our cranes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 12:03

**Location:**

Spanish Village
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON Z 7, 62 mm, f/11.0, 1/200

**File Name:** Scenery_Z7X1341-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Snowy Egret - Egretta thula — **Snowy Egret**
*(Egretta thula)*

**Description:**
Egrets all in a row. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 12:09

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** SnowyEgret_D504238-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Turkey Vulture - Cathartes aura — **Turkey Vulture**
*(Cathartes aura)*

**Description:**
Both Black Vultures and these Turkey Vultures were seen all around this region. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:14

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 280 mm, f/8.0, 1/640

**File Name:** TurkeyVulture_D503537-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Whooping Crane - Grus americana — **Whooping Crane**
*(Grus americana)*

**Description:**
As we got closer to home, our crane encounters got better and better. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 11:37

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/1000

**File Name:** WhoopingCrane_D503899-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

Willet - Tringa semipalmata — **Willet**
*(Tringa semipalmata)*

**Description:**
As we passed by the marshes, we sometimes kicked up a foraging Willet or two. This was my third day of exploration at Aransas NWR. It was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:17 10:23

**Location:**

Aransas NWR
Fulton, Texas
United States
3.28 ft above sea level

**Camera Information:**
NIKON D500, 550 mm, f/8.0, 1/800

**File Name:** Willet_D503573-BoatRide-Aransas-NWR

© 2020 Jack Daynes, shadeTreeImaging.com

Tweet

GPX Track - Map — **GPX Track**
*(Map)*

**Description:**
Our boat route to Aransas NWR.
Read More

**Date Taken:** 2020:03:27 4:25

**Camera Information:**

**File Name:** 2020-03-17-Tuesdays-Aransas-Boat-Ride

© 2020 - Jack Daynes - shadeTree Imaging

Tweet

Click map markers to reveal further information

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

Oystercatcher on the oyster shoal. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Barge Bound For Louisiana

Scenery

We had give way to bigger shipping when looking for the cranes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

These weren't the best skimmer images I've taken, but they help to document the story of birds on this voyage. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

This bird was following our boat, flying low over the water. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

Coyote

Canis latrans

This Coyote passing by the cranes a few dozen yards away did not go unnoticed by the great birds, who bugled calls announcing its presence. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Crested Caracara

Caracara cheriway

Caracaras kept an eye on our boat as we slowly passed by. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Double-Crested Cormorant

Phalacrocorax auritus

This cormorant flew low past us while we looked for cranes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Dowitcher Species

Limnodromus sp.

Short-Billed? Long-Billed? I couln't say, but given the proximity to saltwater, Short-Billed would seem likely. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

Flying high over our boat, this tern was probably looking for somewhere to hunt small fish. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

I met this bird on the docks before our boat was ready to board. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

This heron caught a catfish, but didn't want to risk injury from its sharp spiney fins. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Herring Gull

Larus argentatus

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricill

Ever the oppotunists, this gull followed our boat hoping to find a morsel in our wake. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Long-Billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

This curlew picked up from the marsh near where the cranes were foraging. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Neotropic Cormorant

Phalacrocorax brasilianus

Neotropic Cormorants are much smaller than their Double-Crested cousins. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Oyster Shucking

Scenery

Shucking oysters is apparently a top-dollar job in this region. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Purple Martin

Progne subis

Against a gray sky, these Purple Martins made nice silhouettes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Purple Martin

Progne subis

Purple Martin

Progne subis

Purple Martin

Progne subis

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

This Royal Tern passed by our boat at eye-level. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

Even before our launch these Ruddy Turnstones entertained me as I watched them foraging along the dock. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

Aransas By Sea

Scenery

I tried to capture some of the scenery as we steamed towards our cranes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

Egrets all in a row. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Turkey Vulture

Cathartes aura

Both Black Vultures and these Turkey Vultures were seen all around this region. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

As we got closer to home, our crane encounters got better and better. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

With a Coyote spotted nearby, this bird puts the neighborhood on notice. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Mated pairs are usually found far from other cranes, but unattached younger birds can be found foraging near each other. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

This crane has captured a Blue Crab, its favorite prey. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

One crane has captured a Blue Crab, its favorite prey and the other is showing too much interest. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

One crane has captured a Blue Crab and warns the other stay back by stomping its feet in the water when the other is showing too much interest. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

One crane has captured a Blue Crab, its favorite prey and is watching the other show too much interest in its food. These are not likely mated cranes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Whooping Crane

Grus americana

With the capture Blue Crab now consumed, the two batchlor cranes can go back to being pals. These are not likely mated cranes. My third day of exploration of Aransas NWR was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

As we passed by the marshes, we sometimes kicked up a foraging Willet or two. This was my third day of exploration at Aransas NWR. It was a memorable one. I boarded the tour boat the "Skimmer" and got schooled by Captain Tommy Moore on a three plus hour cruise of the back-bays and waterways beyond the view of the public from the tour roads on the reserve.