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Bent Oaks Rookery Park in Rockport Texas


Bent Oaks Rookery Park Rockport Texas
Bent Oaks Rookery Park Rockport Texas


Let’s explore the fascinating Bent Oaks Rookery Park in Rockport, Texas. 🌳



Bent Oaks Rookery Park is an 8.856-acre piece of waterfront property located across from Little Bay in Rockport, Texas. This park is a must-visit for any nature lover, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and tranquility.



Cedar Protection Fence at the Rookery Park in Rockport Texas
Cedar Protection Fence at the Rookery



Key Features:

  • Waterfront Location: The park’s waterfront location provides stunning views of Little Bay and the surrounding coastal landscape.


  • Windswept Oaks: The park is adorned with large, windswept oak trees, creating a picturesque setting.


  • Monitored Waterbird Rookery: Bent Oaks serves as a monitored colonial waterbird rookery, making it an ideal location to observe some of the most beautiful birds in the Coastal Bend.


  • Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets: Have you ever seen a majestic Great Blue Heron or a graceful Great Egret up close? Bent Oaks Rookery Park offers this unforgettable experience. These birds nest here, and their presence discourages predators, allowing nesting to succeed.


  • Nesting Season: Plan your visit between mid-January and September when the park’s live oak woodland hosts a vast colony of nesting herons and egrets. Imagine yourself surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves as you explore this marvelous park.



Overhead View of Bent Oaks Rookery Park in Rockport Texas during Nesting Season
Rookery Park during Nesting Season


Location and Accessibility:

  • Address: 1401 Broadway St, Rockport, TX 78382

  • The park is bordered by Broadway, Business Highway 35, and Maple Street.



Protection and History:

  • The Rookery is federally protected under the Migratory Bird Act of 1918.


  • The City of Rockport purchased the property in January 2016 for $2.995 million using tax and revenue certificates of obligation.


New Information Signs Benches and viewing binoculars at the bent oaks rookery park in Rockport Texas
New Information Signs Benches and viewing binoculars.


Experience the Wildlife:

  • As you walk through Bent Oaks Rookery Park, you’ll witness the graceful flight of herons and egrets, their nests nestled among the oak branches.


  • Capture the beauty of these birds through your camera lens and immerse yourself in the serenity of nature.


Photos of Birds born at the best oaks rookery park in Rockport Texas
Birds born at the Rookery.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Pelican Pier: If you’re interested in birdwatching, head to the nearby Pelican Pier. It’s less than 5 minutes away and offers a chance to see beautiful Brown and White Pelican flocks.


Pelican Pier Rockport TX

Bent Oaks Rookery Park is more than just a park; it’s a sanctuary where nature thrives and where visitors can connect with the coastal ecosystem. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable wildlife experience when you’re in Rockport, Texas! 🌿🦆





Conservancy Efforts: 

The Bent Oaks Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the natural treasures of Aransas County for future generations. It focuses on protecting and restoring the iconic live oak woodland and the heron and egret rookery at Bent Oaks Rookery Park.


Environmental Challenges: 

The park faces threats from both natural and human-caused factors, leading to a significant loss in canopy cover and deterioration of the woodland, which affects the nesting habitat for the birds.


Collaborative Restoration Plan:

A protection and restoration plan has been developed in collaboration with the City of Rockport, Texas Master Naturalist, Texas A&M Forest Service, and the Bent Oaks Conservancy, aiming to improve rookery protection and expand the woodland.


Support and Donations: 

The Conservancy is accepting donations to fund the restoration project, with plans including additional fencing, public viewing area improvements, and educational initiatives.

For more information and to contribute to this cause, please visit the Bent Oaks Conservancy website.

 







Who we are

The RockportFulton.com website is a comprehensive guide to the towns of Rockport and Fulton, Texas. The website provides a wealth of information about the local area, including events, activities, and attractions.




Arial View of the Rockport Texas Waterfront
Rockport Texas USA


Visitors to the website can find information about local festivals, markets, and events, as well as details about local businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. The website also features a calendar of events, so visitors can easily plan their trip and make the most of their time in Rockport and Fulton.


In addition to providing information about the local area.


RockportFulton.com is also a great resource for those who are interested in the history and culture of Rockport and Fulton. The website includes articles and photos that highlight the rich history of the towns and their unique character.


Overall, the RockportFulton.com website is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Rockport and Fulton, or for those who simply want to learn more about these charming coastal towns.



The Town of Fulton Texas at sunset
The Town of Fulton Texas

Here are some additional links to help you explore the area

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Rockport Beach Park





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Windmill Blade in a tree behind the Fulton Mansion

According to local sources, It is reported that, as a result of a Hurricane that went through on September 14th, 1919, a structure presumed to be the windmill blade from Fulton’s property was found embedded in an oak tree situated behind the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site in Rockport, Texas.


To this day the blade remains but the story continues:


Fulton Mansion Windmill Blade Tree Rockport Texas
Fulton Mansion Windmill Blade Tree

The problem with gathering and preserving historical relics and documents about Aransas County, Rockport, and Fulton Texas is that every 40 years or so a major hurricane sweeps through and destroys everything.


Storm tide over Austin Street, Rockport, Texas, 1919 Photo by UTSA Special Collections
Storm tide over Austin Street, Rockport, Texas, 1919

The photograph shows high tide covering Austin Street after the hurricane came ashore on September 14, 1919. View looking northwest with Aransas County Courthouse in the background (center). Railroad Wharf (left).



One thing that has remained is the old windmill blade located in an Oak tree behind the Fulton Mansion.


Back then storms were not named like they are today. Here is a full account of the Hurricane of 1919.


Hurricane of 1919 weather log
Hurricane of 1919 weather log

After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the Story Continues...


Location of the Fulton Family's Windmill Blade


Windmill Tree Fulton Mansion
Map of the Fulton Windmill Tree

Click here to see a 360 view



For Driving Directions Click here:


Interesting Story about Fulton Windmill Blade Tree


Even though the windmill blade lodged in a towering Fulton Live Oak tree has faced several hurricanes, its future became uncertain a few months ago when insurance agents stated that it posed liability concerns for a residence on the land. Planted during a hurricane in 1919, the blade became encased by the growing tree and successfully endured the devastating Hurricane Harvey, causing the property's proprietor, Christopher Lawrence, to perform numerous restorations to his residence. After carrying out the repairs, Lawrence stated that he could not sell the house, so he and his wife chose to lease the property and relocate to San Antonio. However, while he was attempting to secure landlord insurance for the home, an inspector performing a pre-coverage assessment of the Lawrences' property identified the windmill blade as a prospective liability.


Community Efforts Lead to Preservation of Historic Fulton Site


Lawrence's insurance provider, Allstate, initially informed him that the blade had to be removed for him to continue receiving coverage. Though Lawrence claimed that he would remove it, the residents of Rockport would not be pleased. "It is a very renowned tourist attraction," Lawrence explained. "There's not a lot to do (in Rockport), but it is one of the highlights." And indeed, it is. Lawrence informed his neighbors about his insurance predicament, which sparked a public outcry on Facebook. After exchanging numerous emails with an agent for weeks, Allstate refused to budge.



However, The Victoria Advocate reached out to the company, and Allstate eventually reconsidered its decision. "We were not informed of the historical and emotional value of the Fulton windmill in the tree on their property," said Roberto DeLeon, a senior corporate relations manager at Allstate Insurance Co., in a statement to The Victoria Advocate. "Many thanks to the Rockport community for shedding light on the importance and history of the windmill - Allstate is delighted to provide home insurance to cover the Lawrences' property. and now we know another piece of history about the great city of Rockport!"




 


Thank you for taking the time to explore the insights and stories we’ve shared. We hope you’ve found a spark of inspiration and a wealth of helpful information that resonates with your journey.


Our passion is to empower you with knowledge, and we invite you to delve deeper into the topics that intrigue you most on our website.


For more curated content and the latest updates, join our community by subscribing to our mailing list at the bottom of the page. Together, let’s continue to discover and grow




Who we are

The RockportFulton.com website is a comprehensive guide to the towns of Rockport and Fulton, Texas. The website provides a wealth of information about the local area, including events, activities, and attractions.



Arial View of the Rockport Texas Waterfront
Rockport Texas USA


Visitors to the website can find information about local festivals, markets, and events, as well as details about local businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. The website also features a calendar of events, so visitors can easily plan their trip and make the most of their time in Rockport and Fulton.


In addition to providing information about the local area.


RockportFulton.com is also a great resource for those who are interested in the history and culture of Rockport and Fulton. The website includes articles and photos that highlight the rich history of the towns and their unique character.


Overall, the RockportFulton.com website is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Rockport and Fulton, or for those who simply want to learn more about these charming coastal towns.



The Town of Fulton Texas at sunset
The Town of Fulton Texas

Here are some additional links to help you explore the area









Thank you for visiting our page:



 
 
 

Little Bay Rockport Texas

Little Bay is a body of water located in Rockport Texas. It’s known for its great fishing, beautiful views, wildlife habitats, and boating opportunities.


Little Bay Rockport Texas
Little Bay Rockport Texas


Location of Little Bay


The small bay is surrounded by Rockport Beach Park to the south, Key Allegro Island to the east, and the Rockport Texas waterfront to the North.


Map of Little Bay and its features
Map of Little Bay and its features

Little Bay is one of Rockport’s most noted and beautiful features. People love to visit this place to take in its scenery and relax by its shorelines.


known for its calm waters and beautiful surroundings, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.







Situated in Aransas County Texas, Rockport itself is renowned for its rich wildlife, thriving art community, and coastal recreational activities, with Little Bay being a central feature for many of these attractions.


Here’s a breakdown of what makes Little Bay special:



Arial Photograph of Little Bay
Arial Photograph of Little Bay


Recreational Activities in Little Bay

 

Fishing:

Little Bay is a favorite spot for fishing enthusiasts, offering a variety of species including redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum. On the Rockport side, there is a line of oyster reefs that make a great spot to find fish.


If you cruise over to Rockport Beachside you will find sandy beds and seagrass along the rest of its shores, which are great for redfish and floundering. At the very end of the beach is the Leggett Channel. There you can catch all kinds of different species coming in and out of Little Bay.


Check out our pages for Fishing


Female Fisherman with Redfish in Aransas County
Fishing Bounty

 

Bird Watching:

The area around Little Bay is a haven for bird watchers, with three protected bird nesting areas as well as being part of the Great North American flyway path for migratory birds. Birds line the Great Blue Herron, Great Egrets, skimmers, rosetta spoons bills pelicans, and more love to stop by here for its great hunting and areas to nest their young.


Of course, the nearby Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is home to the famous whooping cranes among with around 400 other bird species.



Young Blue Heron on the shores of Little Bay
Young Blue Heron on the shores of Little Bay


Boating and Kayaking:

The calm waters of Little Bay make it ideal for boating and kayaking. With several access points around the bay to launch your small vessels. There is a boat launch at Rockport Beach for bigger boats and a channel cut into that circles the bay known by locals and lovers of Rockport as "The Ski Basin".









If you didn't bring a boat don't worry about it. Little Bay Marine is open for business and has a boat you can rent.



Here is a link to their website: Little Bay Marine, LLC (lbmrentals.com)







Sun Fish sail boats launching on the shores of Little bay
Sun Fish sail boats launching on the shores of Little bay

 


Natural Beauty and Wildlife

The bay's serene waters and the surrounding landscape provide a picturesque setting. It's part of the larger ecosystem around the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to the area's biodiversity.

The bay supports a rich marine ecosystem, including seagrass beds that are vital for marine life.



Cranes headed to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Cranes headed to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge


 

Community and Culture

 

Rockport Beach

A vital part of Little Bay, Rockport Beach Park is Texas’ first Blue Wave Beach, known for its clean, safe shores and family-friendly environment.





Art Scene:

Rockport is known for its vibrant art scene, with numerous galleries and festivals. The Rockport Center for the Arts, though not directly on Little Bay, contributes to the cultural richness felt throughout the area.



Rockport Center for the Arts Complex
Rockport Center for the Arts Complex

Several famous art pieces are adorned along its western shoreline:


Art pieces displayed along The Little Bay shoreline.
Art pieces displayed along The Little Bay shoreline.


Events at Little Bay


The Rockport Festival Grounds run alongside the western side of Little Bay and Rockport and Little Bay host several events throughout the year, including fishing tournaments, monthly festivals, and cultural celebrations that attract visitors from all over. Visit the Rockport Visitors Center for more information on things happening all year long.


Join our emailing list and Check out our Events Calendar




Rockport Fulton Seafair
Rockport Fulton Seafair


Environmental Efforts

The area around Little Bay has been the focus of several environmental and conservation efforts to protect its natural beauty and wildlife. This includes habitat restoration projects and initiatives to maintain water quality.


Save Little Bay Flyer
Save Little Bay

Here are some links to organizations helping to protect and maintain this beautiful treasure.



Tourism and Economy

Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, with Little Bay being a key attraction. The bay's appeal helps support various businesses in the area, from charter fishing and kayak rentals to restaurants, bars, and lodging.


Here is some links if you need those things:




Patriotic Boat Parade in Little Bay
Patriotic Boat Parade in Little Bay


Little Bay is more than just a body of water; it’s a community hub that offers a blend of recreational activities, natural beauty, and cultural richness. It embodies the spirit of Rockport, Texas, making it a cherished destination for both residents and visitors alike.

 



Little Bay, Key Allegro Island, and Rockport Beach Park
Little Bay, Key Allegro Island, and Rockport Beach Park

Thank you for taking the time to explore the insights and stories we’ve shared. We hope you’ve found a spark of inspiration and a wealth of helpful information that resonates with your journey.


Our passion is to empower you with knowledge, and we invite you to delve deeper into the topics that intrigue you most on our website.


For more curated content and the latest updates, join our community by subscribing to our mailing list at the bottom of the page. Together, let’s continue to discover and grow




Who we are

The RockportFulton.com website is a comprehensive guide to the towns of Rockport and Fulton, Texas. The website provides a wealth of information about the local area, including events, activities, and attractions.



Arial View of the Rockport Texas Waterfront
Rockport Texas USA


Visitors to the website can find information about local festivals, markets, and events, as well as details about local businesses, restaurants, and accommodations. The website also features a calendar of events, so visitors can easily plan their trip and make the most of their time in Rockport and Fulton.


In addition to providing information about the local area.


RockportFulton.com is also a great resource for those who are interested in the history and culture of Rockport and Fulton. The website includes articles and photos that highlight the rich history of the towns and their unique character.


Overall, the RockportFulton.com website is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Rockport and Fulton, or for those who simply want to learn more about these charming coastal towns.



The Town of Fulton Texas at sunset
The Town of Fulton Texas

Here are some additional links to help you explore the area




Thank you for visiting our page:








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