🌿✨ Explore Nature with us, one month at a time! 🦉🍂 Each month, we’re diving into a new outdoor adventure, from birdwatching and discovering fall wildlife on guided nature walks, to learning fun outdoor skills that connect us with the world around us. 🌳🧭 Register today: bit.ly/3I4SrXQ

Loading post...

🏈 Thursday Night Football at SUERTE! 🏈 The season is HERE and we’re kicking it off right — Cowboys 🤠 vs Eagles 🦅 this Thursday at 7PM! 🔥 Come hungry & thirsty because we’ve got: 🍖 FREE complimentary BBQ Tailgate 💙 $3 How Bout Dem Cowboys Shots all night 🎤Hosted by Lee Roy Rodriguez 🎶 Live DJ right after the game to keep the energy going! Whether you’re repping the Star or flying with the Birds, there’s no better place to catch every play than right here at Suerte Bar & Grill. Game sound ON, drinks flowing, vibes unmatched. 📍 Doors open early — don’t miss the ultimate Thursday Night Football Tailgate at SUERTE! #DallasCowboys #EaglesNation #SuerteTailgate #ThursdayNightFootball

🍃 Discover Something New Each Month! 🐿️🌻 Join us for a monthly dose of outdoor fun! From birdwatching and guided nature walks to learning cool outdoor skills, there’s always something exciting to explore. 🌤️🦋No experience? No problem. Just bring your curiosity and a sense of adventure! Register today: bit.ly/3I4SrXQ

Join Wild Birds Unlimited at the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in November! We’ll be there as a proud sponsor👏Hurry and book one of their amazing birding field trips today - space is limited‼️ Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

Missed our native plant sale this weekend? Don’t worry—we still have plenty of beautiful plants waiting for you! 🌿 Come by the store and take home favorites like Turk’s Cap, Gregg’s Mistflower, Scarlet Sage, and more. These native plants are perfect for attracting birds, butterflies, and other local pollinators to your yard. 🐦🦋🐝 Add a little wild beauty to your garden—while supplies last! 🌱 Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

This is your sign to add a water feature to your backyard... and it's not just the birds who will thank you! 🐦🐸 This Giant Toad (Rhinella horribilis), also known as the Cane Toad, was spotted enjoying a relaxing dip in a bird bath — complete with a gentle water-drip "massage." Native to the Rio Grande Valley (as well as parts of Mexico, Central, and South America), these hardy amphibians are well-adapted to urban environments. You might even spot one in your own backyard! 🛑 A quick note: Please don’t handle them or let your pets get too close. Cane Toads secrete a toxin that can be deadly to predators and irritating to human skin. It’s always amazing to see wildlife making use of the spaces we influence the most — our own backyards! 🌿 Bonus: If you're a Daily Savings Club member (or thinking about joining), enjoy 15% OFF all our water products from August 28–September 1!* Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas *Offer valid in-store for DSC members at WBU McAllen. Offer not valid on previous purchases or sale items. Offer is valid August 28-September 1, 2025.

🎉 It’s the 100th episode of WBU's #NatureCentered Podcast this month, and there's a surprise guest joining Brian to celebrate! (Hint: you might recognize the voice in this sneak peek 👀). 🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts or on our website: https://mcallen.wbu.com/nature-centered-onewbu (The podcasters are from the Midwest, but their tips can help in the RGV, too. Keep an eye out for American Goldfinches returning to the RGV to overwinter, for example.) Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 *Featured Birds may include species from across the USA, not just those seen in Texas' Rio Grande Valley. #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening

Our Valley Birds are renowned 🥰 We are so lucky to have these beautiful birds right in our backyard! 🦚🪶 Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

Backyard Birding Tips

Scorching summer days are tough on birds. Here's how you can help them stay cool and safe this summer! 💧 Provide water: Use a shallow container. The more natural its appearance the more appealing it will be for birds. 🌿 Offer shade: Place water in a shady spot, near shrubs or trees. Nearby cover gives birds a safe escape from predators. 🧼 Keep it clean & fresh: Dirty water can be harmful—refresh it daily if possible! 📷 Image credits via Dreamstime.com 1: ID 123525497 © Davidgn 2: ID 5604918 © Naturesdisplay 3: ID 915296 © Lincolnrogers Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening #NatureCentered #ZEISS #ZEISSNature #birdwatching #BirdCareTips #BackyardBirding #SummerWildlife #NatureLovers

Did you know feathers are more than 90% protein?🪶🪶 🪶🤯 So growing new feathers—which a lot of adult songbirds are doing right now—demands a lot of protein, as well as fats. Most adult songbirds molt (change feathers) once a year, usually after nesting season. Worn feathers drop away and fresh ones emerge. You can make a difference by keeping your feeders full of high-fat, high-protein foods, such as our No-Mess Blends, peanuts, sunflower chips, mealworms, finch blends, and no-melt suets. These essential building blocks will help your birds maintain their health (and good looks!) throughout the molt. Keep your eyes peeled for these American Goldfinches in the coming months, as some come to overwinter in the Rio Grande Valley. 🎤🗓️ And don't miss the great FREE TALK THIS SATURDAY the 23rd with well-known local native plant expert Anita Westervelt! She'll teach us about the 12 native plants sure to bring HUMMINGBIRDS to your yard! 🌺 Be sure to stay after for our popular NATIVE PLANT SALE! 🛒🌻🌿 Details: https://www.facebook.com/wbumcallen/events https://mcallen.wbu.com/events Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 Featured Bird: American Goldfinches WBU Food: Finch Blend Feeder: Quick-Clean™ Medium Finch Feeder (Yellow) #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening

🐾 Say hello to our newest cute & cuddly arrivals! 🧸💚 We’ve just stocked up on brand new Fahlo plushes — meet the seal, manatee, koala, and whale! Not only are they absolutely adorable, but each plush comes with a real animal tracking experience 🌍 and supports global nonprofit efforts in animal rehabilitation and research. Not looking for a plush? No worries! ✨ Our new Fahlo bracelets are here too — and now you can track whales and koalas along with your favorite sea turtles, sharks, and more! Swing by the store to meet your new adventure buddy 🐋🐨 Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

☀️ It might still feel like the height of summer, but some of our migratory birds are already on the move! 🐦✨ We're starting to see the return of a few early travelers here in the Rio Grande Valley — so now’s a great time to dust off those binoculars, keep your feeders fresh and filled, and offer a clean water source for our feathered visitors. Providing safe places to rest and refuel can make all the difference on their journey! 🔍 Keep an eye (and ear!) out for these early arrivals: 🌿 Yellow-breasted Chat – A tricky one to spot! These birds prefer dense thickets, but you might hear their bold, varied songs before you see them. 🌳 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher – These tiny, energetic birds flit through trees with their long tails. They lose their “angry unibrow” outside of breeding season, so they’ll look a bit more subtle right now. 🌼 Yellow Warbler – Insect-lovers through and through, they thrive where native plants support healthy insect life. Their cheerful song sounds like: “sweet sweet sweet, I’m so sweet!” Keep your eyes peeled and share what you spot — we love hearing about your sightings! 📸🐥 Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

✨ New Jewelry Alert! ✨ We’re thrilled to have fresh pieces in from https://www.facebook.com/dearsearrings - And they’re absolutely stunning! 🌿💎 These nature-inspired earrings and necklaces are the perfect addition to your collection. Think delicate butterfly wings, vibrant hummingbirds, and more designs that celebrate the beauty of the outdoors. 🦋🐦 Stop by and see which one speaks to you—you might just find a new favorite! Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

🦋 Who doesn't love butterflies? 🦋 If you want to invite more of these beautiful pollinators into your yard, here are a few simple ways to make your outdoor space butterfly-friendly: 🍓 Add extra nectar Boost their energy with a nectar feeder or a small tray of fruit. Bright colors will catch their eye, and the sweet treats will keep them coming back! This new feeder has all of the crucial features. 🌿 Plant native plants Native plants are the best buffet for local butterflies! Some of our South Texas favorites include: • Crucita (Chromolaena odorata) • Turk’s cap (Malvaviscus drummondii) • Scorpion’s tail (Heliotropium angiospermum) 💧 Offer a water source Butterflies love a good sip! A shallow dish with damp sand or soil—also called a "puddler"—provides hydration and nutrients. Curious about butterfly feeders, nectar, puddling, and native plants? Come by the store—we’d love to help you find the perfect setup for our pollinator pals! 🌼 Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

We are one week away from Southern Exposures' Youth Nature Photo Contest!📷✨ You're invited to an outdoor exhibition reflecting the natural world through the eyes of young aspiring photographers, beginning at 6:30pm. Joining the fun is special guest: Sky King Falconry,🦅 with an amazing Birds of Prey show. You won't want to miss this special summer evening. #naturephotogrpahy #mcallenevents #southernexposures #celebratingnature

We are one week away from Southern Exposures' Youth Nature Photo Contest!📷✨ You're invited to an outdoor exhibition reflecting the natural world through the eyes of young aspiring photographers, beginning at 6:30pm. Joining the fun is special guest: Sky King Falconry,🦅 with an amazing Birds of Prey show. You won't want to miss this special summer evening. #naturephotogrpahy #mcallenevents #southernexposures #celebratingnature

🌿🐦 It’s always been smart to feed our feathered friends… but now it’s smarter than ever! 🧠✨ We’re excited to introduce three new eco-friendly, high-tech additions to our birding collection—perfect for nature lovers and backyard birdwatchers alike: 📸 Birdfy Bamboo Smart Feeder Dual feed containers (no need to choose!) Solar-powered & made from sustainable bamboo 🌱 💪 Birdfy Metal Smart Feeder Adorably compact, super sturdy Comes with a built-in camera to catch every winged visitor in action! 🏠 Birdfy Bamboo Birdhouse with Dual Cameras One camera outside, one inside—watch nesting season without disturbing the birds Solar-powered and beautifully designed All from our friends at https://www.facebook.com/birdfybynetvue/ 💚 Ready to bring the beauty of birdwatching to a whole new level? Swing by the store and check them out! 🎤 🗓️ And don't forget to JOIN US NEXT SATURDAY, August 16th, for a fascinating FREE TALK on how drones are being used for conservation efforts in forestry, environmental sciences, and agroecology here in the RGV! Details on our Events page: https://mcallen.wbu.com/events Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

The Rio Grande Valley is home to an incredible variety of bats! 🦇 Join the Cameron County Texas Master Gardeners for an upcoming workshop to discover how these fascinating creatures benefit our ecosystem—and what we can do to help them thrive.

ZEISS

#Birdwatching starts with awareness. Study up before you arrive, respect their habitats by observing from a distance, and leave no trace. Let’s protect what we love to watch. Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening #NatureCentered #ZEISS #ZEISSNature #ZEISSSFL50 #50mmbinoculars #BrightOptics

Sure, we're big fans of birds 🐦—but we really love trees 🌳, too! Trees are essential to the survival of birds, offering year-round shelter 🏡, nesting spots and a buffet of insects 🐛 that provide crucial nutrition, especially for baby birds 🐣. In short: more trees = more birds! 🌲➕🐦 That’s why we’ve teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org) 🤝🌍 to plant thousands of trees in critical forest ecosystems across North America, helping future generations of birds and nature enthusiasts alike. Join our mission to #SaveTheSongBirds by planting a native tree in your yard. For more information, visit 👉 www.wbu.com/plant-trees. 🛒 mywbu.com/mcallen Featured Bird: Pine Warbler

The Flying Walrus

Get ready RGV, THIS FRIDAY, we’re bringing the noise with a killer line up of raw, riff heavy, indie rock and alternative sounds featuring amazing bands from Austin, San Antonio and some of your very own home grown acts from the valley. @indigosoundco proudly presents: @honeybunnysatx @peacocksontrial @andvenus @vertigo.956 @psa.band The scene is alive at The Flying Walrus - so come connect, come dance, and get lost in the jams. This is the kind of night you’ve been waiting for. Soak up the energy with us and give yourself an excuse to be free! Doors open at 8pm. FREE entry for early birds! Cover starts at 9pm. Only $10 at the door! 18+ Welcome! #indie #indiemusic #jam #life #show #livemusic #mcallentx #mcallen #rgvmusic #theflyingwalrus #rgv #music #supportlivemusic #altrock #indierock #dtmcallen #love #rgvnightlife #culture #music

Get ready RGV, THIS FRIDAY, we’re bringing the noise with a killer line up of raw, riff heavy, indie rock and alternative sounds featuring amazing bands from Austin, San Antonio and some of your very own home grown acts from the valley. indigosoundco proudly presents: honeybunnysatx peacocksontrial andvenus vertigo.956 psa.band DJ sets by cchevato The scene is alive at The Flying Walrus - so come connect, come dance, and get lost in the jams. This is the kind of night you’ve been waiting for. Soak up the energy with us and give yourself an excuse to be free! Doors open at 8pm. FREE entry for early birds! Cover starts at 9pm. Only $10 at the door! 18+ Welcome! #indie #indiemusic #jam #life #show #livemusic #mcallentx #mcallen #rgvmusic #theflyingwalrus #rgv #music #supportlivemusic #altrock #indierock #dtmcallen #love #rgvnightlife #culture #music

Happy International Owl Awareness Day!🦉❤️ Did you know that many different kinds of owls can be seen here in the Rio Grande Valley? We're lucky to have the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl and Eastern Screech-Owl year-round. Less common are the Burrowing Owls, Barn Owls, and Great Horned Owls. But even more owls have been recorded, including the Mottled Owl, Long-eared Owl., Stygian Owl, and Short-eared Owl! If you have a favorite owl or an interesting owl sighting, please share whooooooo you saw in the comments!👇 And check out the myths and FAQs from Houston's International Owl Center https://www.internationalowlcenter.org/mythsandfaq.html 🎤 🗓️ Finally, please plan to join us THIS SATURDAY for a fascinating FREE TALK on how drones are being used for conservation efforts in forestry, environmental sciences, and agroecology here in the RGV! Details on our Events page: https://mcallen.wbu.com/events Featured Birds: Barred Owl,* Eastern Screech Owl, & Burrowing Owl Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 *Featured Birds may include species from across the USA, not just those seen in Texas' Rio Grande Valley. #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening

The City of Mercedes Thanks for hilighting the importance of native plants 🌿They're key to supportiong our Valley wildlife 🪶💚

Meet Our August Bird of the Month, the Mexican Violetear! Though a rare visitor, this is just one of several hummingbirds that make appearances here in the Rio Grande Valley. Have you been lucky enough to spot a violetear? Fun Facts 🔵 A largish hummingbird common in Mexico and Nicaragua, they usually prefer high-altitude pine and oak forests. 🔵 Named for its blue-violet ear patch, which can fluff up when the bird is agitated. Also has a blue-violet patch on its chest. 🔵 Was once known as the Green Violetear, along with what's now considered a separate species, the Lesser Violetear (which doesn't have the blue-violet patch on its chest). 🔵 Learn more on the Audubon site: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/mexican-violetear HOW TO ATTRACT 🔵 Plant natives that produce tubular flowers, especially red or orange ones. Examples include Salvia, Drummond’s Turk’s Cap, Tropical Sage, and Texas Lantana. Local nurseries that specialize in natives can help, like Rancho Lomitas Nursery. @toni_trevino/ 🔵 Hang a red or red-accented hummingbird feeder. Be sure it's safe from cats! 🔵 Use a high-quality nectar like ours, or if you have time, make your own. See our Bird of the Month page for the recipe: https://mcallen.wbu.com/bird-of-the-month (clickable link in our bio's link tree) 🔵 Replace the nectar in your feeders every couple of days to prevent bacteria and mold. Or try our Feeder Fresh™ Nectar Defender™, which contains a bird-safe mineral micronutrient that stops spoilage and helps nectar last for weeks. 🗓️ Don't miss our Aug. 23rd FREE TALK "Bring On the Hummingbirds Using Native Plants," followed by a NATIVE PLANT SALE! Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening

Many of our native Rio Grande Plants produce fruits, seeds, and/or nectar that birds use for food. For example, our chachalacas and doves are fans of this plant: Rivina humilis, commonly known as Coralito, Bloodberry, or Pigeonberry. The leaves are important for butterfly larvae and javelinas, too! See our website for local nurseries that specialize in plants, shrubs, and trees that are native to the Rio Grande Valley: https://mcallen.wbu.com/local-birding-and-nature-resources 🎤 🗓️ And don't miss our upcoming PLANT SALE and FREE TALK on Saturday, August 23rd: "Bring On the Hummingbirds Using Native Plants." 🌼 🌺 🌸 Local native plant expert Anita Westervelt will be telling us about the 12 locally available plants sure to bring hummingbirds to your garden! 🤩 Details at https://mcallen.wbu.com/events Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening

Help Birds Survive the Heat ☀️🐦 In these hot conditions 🔥, you’ll be doing both yourself and your backyard birds 🏡🐥 a big favor by providing a consistent source of water 🚰💙. Water is essential for all birds 🌎🕊️ — whether they visit feeders or not. It’s one of the simplest and most important ways to attract a wider variety of birds to your yard. Besides being crucial for their survival, water also gives you the chance to enjoy their entertaining behavior as they drink, bathe, and preen. 🌿🌼🐦 But beyond the enjoyment, water can be a matter of life or death. Birds need to keep their feathers in top condition to fly, and bathing plays a key role in that. During extreme heat 🌡️, birds can’t sweat — they cool down by panting, which dehydrates them quickly 💦. That’s why a bird bath, fountain, or mister isn't just fun to watch — it could be a lifesaver 🆘🕊️. Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding specialists! 💛🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas

ZEISS

Quick Birding Quiz: Do Common Yellowthroats have wing bars? North American birders often recognize the loud witchity-witchity song and the distinctive bandit mask above their namesake yellow throat. But what about the rest of the bird? Let's break it down: Bill Color: Black Legs and Feet Color: Pink Wing Bars: ??? Happy birding and keep an eye out for these charming warblers! 📸 Credit: Jon Corcoran Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #savethesongbirds #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #BackyardBirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #ZEISS #ZEISSNature #birdwatching

This FRIDAY! It’s time to for the absolute best the RGV has to offer in Metal Core and NuMetal! Come ready to mosh, to scream and work out the week’s frustrations on the main stage floor! Featured acts include: @andtheheroprevails @theghostofusofficial @thesightofimpact @__kelly.tx @vertigo.956 Lights and Sound courtesy @audiophilez_sound Show brought to you by OMINOUS EMPIRE Doors open at 8pm. Free Entry to all early birds (before 9pm). $10 at the door after. 18+ Welcome. Show starts at 9:30pm. Mosh at your own risk ⚠️ #nümetal #metalcore #metalhead #theflyingwalrus #progressivemetal #rgvmusicscene #rgvmusic #metalmusic #metal #texasmetalcore #texasmetal #dtmcallen #mcallentx #rgv #show #livemusic #supportlocalartists #supportlivemusicvenues #saveourspaces

This FRIDAY! It’s time to for the absolute best the RGV has to offer in Metal Core and NuMetal! Come ready to mosh, to scream and work out the week’s frustrations on the main stage floor! Featured acts include: andtheheroprevails theghostofusofficial thesightofimpact __kelly.tx vertigo.956 Lights and Sound courtesy audiophilez_sound Show brought to you by OMINOUS EMPIRE Doors open at 8pm. Free Entry to all early birds (before 9pm). $10 at the door after. 18+ Welcome. Show starts at 9:30pm. Mosh at your own risk ⚠️ #nümetal #metalcore #metalhead #theflyingwalrus #progressivemetal #rgvmusicscene #rgvmusic #metalmusic #metal #texasmetalcore #texasmetal #dtmcallen #mcallentx #rgv #show #livemusic #supportlocalartists #supportlivemusicvenues #saveourspaces

Did you catch our colleagues from WBU Dripping Springs, Texas, (@wbuofdrippingspringstx) on the most recent #NatureCentered Podcast🎙️? They're talking all things goldfinch,💛 and how these sunny little birds can look (and act!) a bit different depending on where you live. We don't typically see these cuties in the Rio Grande Valley over the summer, but some American Goldfinches do visit in Fall, Winter, and Spring. And their charming cousins the Lesser Goldfinch are resident here year-round! 🎧 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts or on our website: https://mcallen.wbu.com/nature-centered-onewbu Happy birding, from the RGV's friendly backyard bird feeding experts! ❤️🐦 #wbumcallen #rgvbirds #backyardbirding #mcallentexas #riograndevalley #Riograndevalleytexas #birding #birds #shoplocal #supportsmallbusinessowners #nativeplants #gardening #NatureCentered