Whooping cranes have once again flown down from Canada to hang out on the Texas coast for the winter. The annual Whooping Crane Festival, Feb. 21-24 in Port Aransas, is a celebration of these big, white birds -- some are nearly 5 feet tall -- and offers a chance to see them in one of their preferred hotels, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. At the festival, you'll find nature and birding tours on land and sea, as well as lectures and photography lessons, all at various prices. There's even overnight stargazing at La Copita Ranch. A trade show at the Port Aransas Civic Center is free. More at whoopingcranefestival.org.
-- Helen Anders, Austin American-StatesmanHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
