In order to get close and view the cranes
in their natural habitat along the salt flats
it would require a boat and someone
experienced and knowledgeable on where to
find them. After doing a bit of research on
local birding guides, I made the choice to go
out with Captain Kevin Sims of Aransas Bay
Birding Charters. The choice I made proved
to be an excellent one!
and stately Whooping Cranes. We glided
swiftly across the calm waters and as we
approached the salt flats, the water, sky and
land worked their collaborative magic
and my dearest wish realized. There
they were, the Whooping Cranes grandly striding with confidence
over land and water for their early
morning meal.
The weather had been challenging upon
my arrival but the skies soon cleared and
the temperature soon climbed into the
upper 60’s. Splendid! In speaking a little
with Captain Sims, he said that most
of his business came from professional
photographers and birding clubs. I could
certainly understand why. I’d never seen a
better equipped boat for photographers and
it seemed as though you were aboard your
own private boat designed just for birding!
The beauty of the Jack Flash is
that although I was not piloting
the boat, it felt like an outing
on my own private boat. The
boat has three levels and was
extremely roomy. Specially
equipped for photography
it was extremely easy and