TEXAS WHOOPING CRANE PHOTO TOUR
WOMEN IN WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
DATES: JAN. 8 - 11, 2027
TRIP LEADER: JENNIFER LEIGH WARNER
COST: $3,295PP (Single Room)
GROUP SIZE: 5
The Texas gulf coast is home to one of the rarest birds in North America, the Whooping Crane. These 5ft tall bright white birds, that winter along the coastline, have come back from the brink of extinction. In the 1940’s there were believed to be about 20 birds left and with the work of captive breeding programs, there are now about 800 worldwide.
Join wildlife photographer Jennifer Leigh Warner as we photograph whooping cranes in the Aransas Wildlife Refuge. We will charter a private boat which will take us closer to these rare birds as they hunt for blue crabs in the shallow waters.
We will also spend time in a private photo blind in order to get up-close portraits of the whooping cranes. Additionally we will travel to some other birding hotspots to look for other wildlife that winters along the Texas Gulf Coast.
Wildlife often seen includes.
Sandhill Cranes, White-tailed Deer, Brown Pelicans, White Pelicans, Kestrels, Loggerhead Shrike, Crested CaraCara, Mockingbirds, Vultures, Nine-banded Armadillo, Javelina, Sanderlings, Black Necked Stilts, Dolphins, Roseate Spoonbill and Osprey.
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Day 1 – Arrival & Welcome (Jan 8)
Your journey begins as you arrive in Corpus Christi, where you’ll be warmly welcomed and transferred to our charming coastal base in Rockport. After settling in, we’ll gather for a relaxed introductory briefing to review the days ahead, followed by a welcome dinner—your first opportunity to connect with fellow photographers and set the tone for an inspiring few days on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Day 2 – Whooping Cranes by Boat & Blind (Jan 9)
We start the day with a highlight of the tour—a private boat charter into the Aransas Wildlife Refuge, where we’ll photograph endangered whooping cranes in their natural habitat. Watch for them as they forage in the shallow estuaries, often feeding on blue crabs in beautiful morning light. After a midday break to rest and recharge, we’ll head to a private photography blind, offering intimate, eye-level encounters. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to capture detailed portraits and natural behavior of whooping cranes, along with sandhill cranes and white-tailed deer.
Day 3 – Coastal Birding & Port Aransas (Jan 10)
Today we explore some of the region’s best birding hotspots around Rockport, searching for a variety of coastal species in ever-changing light and habitats. In the afternoon, we’ll take a short ferry ride to Port Aransas, where new photographic opportunities await. Expect to photograph species such as black-necked stilts, osprey, pelicans, and the striking roseate spoonbill. And for those lucky enough, there’s even a chance of spotting the rare and unexpected—an American flamingo.
Day 4 – Final Light & Departure (Jan 11)
On our final morning, we return to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge for one last opportunity to photograph whooping cranes in the soft coastal light. Keep your eyes open for additional wildlife, including crested caracaras, kestrels, armadillos, javelina, spoonbills, and even American alligators. After a farewell lunch, we’ll transfer back to Corpus Christi for your afternoon departures—leaving with not only beautiful images, but a deeper connection to one of North America’s most remarkable wildlife success stories.
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Three nights accommodations in Rockport, Texas (Private room for each guest — no single supplement required)
Private boat charter into Aransas National Wildlife Refuge for up-close photography of endangered whooping cranes
Exclusive access to a private photography blind for intimate, eye-level wildlife encounters
All ground transportation throughout the tour, including airport transfers from Corpus Christi
Expert guidance and photography instruction from professional wildlife photographer Jennifer Leigh Warner
Welcome dinner on the first evening
Small group experience (maximum of 5 participants) for personalized attention and optimal shooting opportunities
Pre-trip zoom meeting
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Airfare to/from Corpus Christi, Texas
Meals aside from welcome dinner
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Gratuities
Park entrance fees ($3/day or free with National Park Pass)
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This tour is designed to be comfortable and accessible for most participants, with a focus on maximizing photography opportunities rather than physical exertion.
Most photography takes place close to vehicles, on a boat, or from a private blind, with minimal walking required
Short walks on flat, even terrain (generally less than 1 mile at a time) may be necessary to access certain locations
Participants should be able to step in and out of a boat and navigate short distances on uneven ground such as sand, grass, or marsh edges
Periods of standing for extended time (up to 1–2 hours) may be required while photographing
Early mornings and full days in the field are part of the experience
This tour is suitable for photographers with a reasonable level of mobility and balance. If you have any questions about whether this trip is a good fit for you, we’re happy to discuss your individual needs.