A Wildlife Bird Photography Adventure to Port Aransas, Texas
As an amateur wildlife photographer from Texas, as well as a father of a large family, I’m always searching for destinations that let me indulge my passion for bird photography while also serving as ideal family vacation spots. Port Aransas is one of those rare gems—a vibrant coastal town where I can capture a myriad of fascinating wildlife subjects against a stunning Gulf backdrop, all while my family enjoys sun-soaked days on the beach and delicious local cuisine. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making every trip both a photographic journey and a memorable family getaway.
Port Aransas, located on Mustang Island along the Texas Gulf Coast, is a premier destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. Its unique blend of coastal wetlands, marshes, and pristine beaches, combined with its position along the Central Flyway, makes it a haven for hundreds of bird species throughout the year. For those seeking both natural beauty and luxurious comfort, staying at Cinnamon Shores offers the perfect retreat between birding excursions and a fun location for family beach fun. This article explores a few of the best birding locations, the vibrant avian life you can expect to encounter, and local dining gems to round out your Port Aransas adventure.
Staying at Cinnamon Shores: Comfort Meets Coastal Charm
Cinnamon Shores is the epitome of coastal luxury, offering beautiful, spacious beach homes that provide all the comforts of home with resort-style amenities. The beach houses here are designed for relaxation and convenience, many are large enough to accommodate a large family. Expect open-concept living spaces, air conditioning, well-equipped kitchens, plush furnishings, and expansive balconies perfect for unwinding after a day in the field or at the beach.
Amenities at Cinnamon Shores include:
- Multiple temperature-controlled pools, including the Cabana Pool and Splish Splash Family Pool.
- Easy access to the broad, firm beachfront is ideal for early morning or sunset photography sessions.
- On-site dining, fitness centers, and activities ranging from beach bonfires to outdoor movie nights.
- Golf cart rentals for quick trips to the beach or into town.
- Beach chair rental with umbrellas ensures your family will enjoy themselves in comfort while you’re off pursuing wildlife subjects.
- The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center and Charlie’s Pasture South are a mere 10-minute drive away.
The community’s thoughtful design and proximity to both natural wonders and town conveniences make it an excellent base for photographers with families.
Birding Hotspots: Where to Capture Nature’s Finest
Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center
The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is a must-visit for any wildlife photographer in Port Aransas. This renowned site features:
- Elevated boardwalks and observation towers that extend over lush wetlands.
- Strategic vantage points for close-up viewing and photography of birds in their natural habitats.
- Interpretive signage and birding checklists to help identify species.
Wildlife to Watch For:
The Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center in Port Aransas is a premier destination for wildlife photography, offering an extraordinary diversity of bird species in a vibrant wetland setting. Photographers can capture thrilling action shots of herons feasting on schools of mullet, showcasing their graceful hunting techniques against the shimmering water. The center is also renowned for its stunning flocks of roseate spoonbills, whose bright pink plumage creates striking photographic subjects alongside elegant terns and sleek cormorants. Beyond birds, the area supports a variety of mammals such as raccoons, adding to the richness of wildlife encounters. Interestingly, visitors may also spot non-native species like a flamingo, which adds an unexpected splash of color to the marsh landscape. With its extensive boardwalks and shaded observation towers providing panoramic views, the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center is a true paradise for photographers seeking both diversity and dynamic wildlife moments.
The best lighting for photography is typically early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is low and the birds are most active.
Charlie’s Pasture South
Charlie’s Pasture South is part of the Port Aransas Nature Preserve and offers:
- Miles of trails and boardwalks winding through tidal flats, salt marshes, and coastal prairies.
- Observation decks overlooking open water and mudflats, ideal for spotting migratory shorebirds and waterfowl.
- Opportunities to photograph birds in flight, feeding, or interacting in their natural environment.
Notable Species:
Charlie’s Pasture South is a haven for bird enthusiasts, renowned for its remarkable diversity of bird species, especially among wading birds. The area’s tidal flats and marshes attract an impressive array of herons—including Great Blue Herons, Tricolored Herons, Little Blue Herons, and Green Herons—as well as several types of elegant egrets, such as Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets. Adding to the spectacle are the flamboyant Roseate Spoonbills, whose vivid pink plumage and unique spoon-shaped bills make them a highlight for photographers and birders alike. These spoonbills often forage in groups alongside egrets and herons, creating dynamic scenes of color and activity in the wetlands. Beyond its avian residents, Charlie’s Pasture South is also home to a variety of mammals, offering opportunities to observe and photograph wildlife such as coyotes and other small mammals as they move through the coastal habitat. This rich blend of birdlife and mammals makes Charlie’s Pasture South a truly rewarding destination for nature photographers and wildlife lovers.
Beach Access: Shorebirds, Pelicans, and Terns
Port Aransas boasts 18 miles of natural beaches and dunes, providing direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Wildlife photography along the shoreline of Port Aransas offers spectacular opportunities to capture dynamic scenes of coastal birdlife in action. Brown pelicans are a highlight, often seen diving gracefully into the surf to catch fish, creating dramatic and energetic images. Terns, including Royal and Sandwich Terns, frequently feed in the breaking waves, their swift flight and agile maneuvers providing excellent subjects for action shots. Closer to the sand, small shorebirds such as plovers and various gull species forage along the wet shoreline, offering intimate moments of feeding behavior and interaction. Early morning visits to the beach or jetties are ideal for photographing these birds in soft, warm light, while the natural coastal backdrop enhances every frame. This blend of seabirds and shorebirds makes Port Aransas’ beaches a rich and rewarding location for wildlife photographers seeking both variety and vibrant coastal scenes.
Photographing these birds against a backdrop of crashing waves, golden sands, or dramatic skies can yield stunning results. The best times are sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and the birds are actively feeding.
Tips for Wildlife Bird Photography in Port Aransas
- Gear: Bring a telephoto lens (300mm or preferably longer, I used a 500mm and 800mm for most of these photos) for close-ups, a wide-angle for landscapes, and a tripod or monopod for stability.
- Timing: Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and most bird activity.
- Patience: Birds may take time to appear or settle; patience is key for capturing natural behaviors.
- Respect Wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing nesting or feeding birds. Cranes are a protected species, and you must stay 1000 feet away.
- Checklist: Use the Port Aransas birding checklist to track your sightings and plan your outings.
A Word of Caution
If you are unfamiliar with photographing in coastal environments, be careful of fogging your lenses when you venture from your air-conditioned, cool car or accommodations into the warm, moist outside environment. If you are not careful, you can miss twenty to thirty minutes of shooting time waiting for your lens to warm up and the fogging to resolve, or worse, damage your expensive equipment. Protecting your photography gear from fogging in high-humidity environments requires careful temperature management and some proactive steps. The main cause of lens fogging is condensation, which occurs when you move your camera from a cool, dry place (like an air-conditioned room or car) into a warmer, humid environment—the moisture in the air condenses on the cooler surfaces of your gear. To prevent this, place your camera and lenses in a sealed plastic zip-top or airtight bag before moving them outside, allowing the equipment to gradually acclimate to the new temperature and humidity before you open the bag. I leave my camera gear outside, protected in my closed camera bag, for twenty to thirty minutes before leaving in order to allow them to reach outside temperatures gradually before use. Adding a moisture absorber, like a towel, silica packs, or uncooked rice, inside the bag can help wick away excess moisture.
Dining in Port Aransas: Local Flavors After a Day in the Field
After a long day of the beach and photography, Port Aransas offers a variety of excellent dining options. Two standout restaurants for us were:
Virginia’s on the Bay
Located right on the waterfront, Virginia’s on the Bay is a local favorite for fresh seafood and classic coastal cuisine. Diners can enjoy:
- Open-air seating with views of the marina and passing boats.
- Signature dishes like shrimp po’boys, grilled fish, and oysters.
- A relaxed, friendly atmosphere is perfect for recounting the day’s adventures.
Lisabella’s Bistro and Bar
For a more upscale experience, Lisabella’s Bistro offers:
- Creative coastal cuisine blends local seafood with international flavors.
- Elegant indoor and patio dining, ideal for a romantic evening or group celebration.
- Dishes like crab cakes, seared scallops, and inventive salads.
Both restaurants are conveniently located. Virginia’s is within a short drive from Cinnamon Shores, while Lisabella’s is on the property itself, making both easy to access after a day in the field. Dylan’s Coal Fired Pizza and the daily food trucks also provide on-site, relaxed dining options, which are excellent.
Planning Your Birding Trip: Practical Details
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall migrations (March–May, September–November) offer the greatest diversity of species, but winter brings the iconic Whooping Crane and fewer crowds.
- Getting Around: Golf carts are popular for getting to the beach and around Cinnamon Shore South.
- What to Bring: Binoculars, camera gear, sun protection, insect repellent, and a birding field guide.
- Local Events: Check for birding festivals or guided tours, especially during peak migration or the annual Whooping Crane Festival.
Conclusion
A wildlife bird photography trip to Port Aransas, Texas, offers a remarkable blend of natural beauty, avian diversity, and coastal comfort. Staying at Cinnamon Shores ensures a relaxing and luxurious home base for you and your family. At the same time, the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center, Charlie’s Pasture South, and the island’s beaches provide endless opportunities to observe and photograph a stunning array of birdlife. Add in excellent local dining and the laid-back charm of Port Aransas, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable birding adventure on the Texas Coast. If you would like to see more wildlife photos, follow me on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/matt.last.3979/