Really enjoying this trip. The people here are so friendly and helpful. First day was Aransas Wildlife Refuge for one of my target birds--Whooping Crane. I saw two at a very great distance. It was obvious what they were with the great hunched back and long necks, but I wouldn't call it "seeing" them. I thought it might be cheating to list them! A lady at the refuge suggested I go to the Big Tree in Goose Island State Park to get a closer view. I found the Big Tree, and sure enough, across the street in someone's private land, there were 12 of them along with Sandhill Cranes and Roseate Spoonbills. The next street over, I found some even closer in somebody's yard. Today was the second day. Drove to Mustang Island from Rockport to find an Aplomado Falcon. I had researched about the nesting platforms and found one with what I assume was a pair as there were two on the platform. Beautiful birds and I applaud the efforts by Mustang Island State Park, the Peregrine Fund and Us Fish and Wildlife to protect them and help ensure that my great-granddaughters might see them. The platforms are on the opposite side of the road to the entrance of the park, but I went back and paid the entrance fee--they deserve it. The only thing I wasn't sure of was how to get there. Take a ferry from Port Aransas, or drive into Corpus Christi and go by road. I was a bit nervous about the ferry, but a young man at Stevie Lew's BBQ helped me to decide to take the ferry, and he gave me very good directions. Don't know why I was a little worried about the ferry, but I'm glad I went--it was short and easy. The pulled pork sandwich at Stevie Lew's was delicious! My husband texted me later and told me that in Texas, I should have beef brisket BBQ rather the pork. Oh well, maybe I'll still have a chance. I leave here tomorrow and start the drive back to San Antonio. I am stopping along the way to try to get a few more target birds--Green Jay and some sparrows. I am going to try to find a Black-crested Titmouse and Seaside Sparrow in this neck of the woods before leaving. Not holding my breath for the Seaside, but I have to give it a shot. If I don't see the Titmouse here, I still have a chance along the way back to SA. I'm kicking myself for not planning a two-week trip rather than one. Won't have time to check out the Attwater's Prairie Chicken Refuge. I could easily spend a month here.