Stromboli's Rolling Log: Mustang Island off Aransas Pass TX Day 21

Day 21 March 21st To Mustang Island (Aransas Pass)

Suffice to say that the shorebird sightings have been tremendous so we continue to see them in most all the revenues we try to cover. Today was a trip slightly south of Rockport called Mustang Island .When Alonzo de Pineda explored this Island it was called “Wild Horse” in the 1600’s. The name changed.

As it is a barrier Island the birds use it as a great place to nest and with the n=migratory birds a great place to rest before moving on. We are not quite into that yet, but the shorebirds are there. Today 43 birds species were iD’D. There are about 12 birding sites designated in various sources on Mustang Island.

A Great Day for Paraboarding

There he goes with a good lift.

The Ferrys at Aransas Pass

Rather than list the birds I will post some pictures of those that we have not talked about much, but that we have seen today and the last few days. The trip to Mustang Island, as there is no bridge, includes the many Ferry boats that work 14/7 to keep the traffic flowing across the Intercoastal Waterway (I.W.) between huge ship passages. Most places that there is a road have a bridge to cross the I.W., but the state has kept these Ferrys running at Aransas Pass since the 1960’s There are 8 Ferry boats that can carry 26-28 cars and carry 100 per hour. It certainly it is a source of employment and they are free. (Tourist an sport fisherman money?)

Port Aransas has a rollicking history to say the least. There were Pirates, Hurricanes, Civil War battles and blockages by the Union Navy who finally burned the town to the ground to prevent the shipping of salt, cotton and other products to the Confederate Army to the east are among some of the history vignettes of this small 3,000 population city. (See in Wickipedia)