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Festival draws birders to island
T he annual Celebration of Whooping Cranes and Other Birds is on
 | | A pair of whooping cranes feeds in shallow water. |
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the calendar for Feb.
22-24, when birding tours by land and sea will be available, as well as seminars from world-renowned speakers.
The festival has good reason to celebrate, as this year's 266 birds is a record for the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Tom Stehn, biologist at the refuge, will be among the presenters. He will be joined by Dr. Lee Fuiman, director of The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute (MSI) here. Fuiman will talk about progress at the institute as well as bird population changes on the beach. George Archibald, co-founder of the International Crane Foundation, will return as a speaker as well.
The festival also will include a free, juried nature-related trade show, which will be completely revamped, featuring a wide selection of optics, paintings, photography and one-of- a-kind gift items for nature lovers.
Other activities include tours of the Animal Rehabilitation Keep at MSI, photography workshops and field trips, The International Crane Foundation's International Children's Art Exhibit, the annual Beach Dash and more.
 | | Tours of the ARK are included in the festival. |
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Birding tours by boat and bus, as well as speakers who will be headquartered at the Visitors' Center at MSI, will also be featured.
Festival headquarters for registration and the trade show will be at the Civic Center, 710 W. Ave. A. Admission to the trade show is free, and fees are charged for speakers and tours.
Register for the festival via the Port Aransas Chamber of Commerce- Tourist Bureau Web site, www. portaransas. org/cranes.html.
Call the Chamber of Commerce at 800-45-COAST or (361) 749-5919 for details.
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