2024 Whooping Cranes of Aransas NWR
Rockport TX

Session 1 - February 18-22, 2024 - 1 SPOT HAS OPENED UP

 

The Aransas National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1940 by then president Franklin Roosevelt. It is an 114,000 acre protected area situated on the San Antonio Bay along the Gulf Coast of Texas. The refuge serves as a breeding ground for many migratory birds and other wildlife. Bird life includes waterfowl, egrets, herons, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, and the endangered whooping cranes.

The Whooping Cranes are North America’s largest bird at nearly 5 feet tall and a wingspan of about 7.5 feet. The Aransas whoopers have recovered from just 18 birds left in the wild in the 1940’s to around 430 birds today. If you include the other wild flocks in North America and the captive whoopers there is only a total of about 800 cranes left in existence today.

We will photograph from Capt. Kevin Sims wonderful boat the "Jack Flash". Capt. Kevin has been leading nature photographers in the Aransas Bay for over a decade. He will position his boat at a perfect and safe location so we will have a great view point from any of the two decks on the boat. We will travel to the refuge in the early morning before sunrise. Boat charters usually last 4-5 hours giving us plenty of opportunities to find and photograph the whoopers.

We will also photograph from a private blind on private property next to the refuge. This will give us the opportunity to get really close to the cranes and capture fantastic portraits and also capture images of the bird’s behavior.
  

Cost of Workshop - $1800.00
Session 1 - Feb. 18-22, 2024 - SOLD OUT

Includes:
- Cost of Boat Charter for the three morning shoots at Aransas NWR.
- Access to photo blind on private property.
- All photographic instruction and guidance on the field.
- Drinking water while photographing.
- All applicable taxes.

Does not include:
- Transportation to and from Rockport/Fulton TX.
- Hotel Accomodations.
- Meals.
- Gratuities for boat captain.

Deposit can be paid via PAYPAL (plus 3% fees) by clicking here:

Session 1 - SOLD OUT

or by mailing a U.S. Check or Money Order Payable to:
      
Hector D. Astorga
PO Box 74
Delmita, TX 78536
   

Deposits & Cancellation Policy:

  • A $750 deposit is required at the time of enrollment with full payment due by November 15, 2023.

  • Deposit and tuition fees are non-refundable. We highly recommend the purchase of trip insurance. www.insuremytrip.com

  • If the photo workshop is full and someone from the waiting list can take your spot, your tuition is fully refundable minus a 15% cancellation fee.

  • We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.

  • Should cancellation be required due to severe weather, an alternate date will be scheduled at no additional charges.

  • No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after the photo workshop begins.

  • We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel, we highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.