Our next gardening workshop is all about helping you design your garden, just in time for the fall planting season! Our native plant practitioners will share different design examples, share ways to map out your space, and guide you as you start a design for your own space. This workshop is space-limited, so advance registration is required. Reserve your spot at: quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.
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/eventshttps://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
While it might be hard to imagine now, during the dog days of summer, we are just around the corner from a good time of year to plant a garden. Join our Urban Ecologist, John Brush, for a workshop that covers the basic tools and techniques for native plant gardens and land stewardship.
This program is mostly outdoors and involves moving to different locations in the park. We encourage participants to wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring a reusable water bottle.
Register at: quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com/gardening-tools--techniques-workshop-august-2025/
Did you know that we are a small, hands-on, family run restaurant? Yes, all the way down to the gardening! @theacavazos giving all her love to make the patio nice for our customers.
Come see all the care and attention that goes into making Bodega the truly special place it is. 💚
#bodegatavernandkitchen#hereforthefood#shoplocal#familyrunrestaurant
Did you know that we are a small, hands-on, family run restaurant? Yes, all the way down to the gardening! theacavazos giving all her love to make the patio nice for our customers.
Come see all the care and attention that goes into making Bodega the truly special place it is. 💚
#bodegatavernandkitchen#hereforthefood#shoplocal#familyrunrestaurant
Join us next week for our "Gardening Tools & Techniques Workshop" on August 16. Participants will learn from one of our native plant practitioners about which tools they like to use while gardening, along with demonstrations of how to use them. This is a mostly outdoors workshop, so we recommend you wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring water.
Program requires online registration at:
quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com
Join us next week for our "Gardening Tools & Techniques Workshop" on August 16. Participants will learn from one of our native plant practitioners about which tools they like to use while gardening, along with demonstrations of how to use them. This is a mostly outdoors workshop, so we recommend you wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring water.
Program requires online registration at:
quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com
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
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
Wild Birds Unlimited
🎉 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
Wild Birds Unlimited
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
Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
Our next gardening workshop is all about helping you design your garden, just in time for the fall planting season! Our native plant practitioners will share different design examples, share ways to map out your space, and guide you as you start a design for your own space. This workshop is space-limited, so advance registration is required. Reserve your spot at: quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.
Wild Birds Unlimited
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
Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
While it might be hard to imagine now, during the dog days of summer, we are just around the corner from a good time of year to plant a garden. Join our Urban Ecologist, John Brush, for a workshop that covers the basic tools and techniques for native plant gardens and land stewardship. This program is mostly outdoors and involves moving to different locations in the park. We encourage participants to wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring a reusable water bottle. Register at: quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com/gardening-tools--techniques-workshop-august-2025/
Bodega Tavern & Kitchen
Did you know that we are a small, hands-on, family run restaurant? Yes, all the way down to the gardening! @theacavazos giving all her love to make the patio nice for our customers. Come see all the care and attention that goes into making Bodega the truly special place it is. 💚 #bodegatavernandkitchen #hereforthefood #shoplocal #familyrunrestaurant
Bodega Tavern & Kitchen
Did you know that we are a small, hands-on, family run restaurant? Yes, all the way down to the gardening! theacavazos giving all her love to make the patio nice for our customers. Come see all the care and attention that goes into making Bodega the truly special place it is. 💚 #bodegatavernandkitchen #hereforthefood #shoplocal #familyrunrestaurant
Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
Events happening this week at Quinta Mazatlan! • Flashlight Nights - Tuesday • Rooted Yoga - Wednesday • Gardening Tools & Techniques Workshop - Saturday • Tai Chi - Saturday • STEM Stops - Saturday
Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
Events happening this week at Quinta Mazatlan! • Flashlight Nights - Tuesday • Rooted Yoga - Wednesday • Gardening Tools & Techniques Workshop - Saturday • Tai Chi - Saturday • STEM Stops - Saturday
Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
Join us next week for our "Gardening Tools & Techniques Workshop" on August 16. Participants will learn from one of our native plant practitioners about which tools they like to use while gardening, along with demonstrations of how to use them. This is a mostly outdoors workshop, so we recommend you wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring water. Program requires online registration at: quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com
Quinta Mazatlan World Birding Center
Join us next week for our "Gardening Tools & Techniques Workshop" on August 16. Participants will learn from one of our native plant practitioners about which tools they like to use while gardening, along with demonstrations of how to use them. This is a mostly outdoors workshop, so we recommend you wear comfortable outdoor clothing and bring water. Program requires online registration at: quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com
Wild Birds Unlimited
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
Wild Birds Unlimited
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
Wild Birds Unlimited
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
Wild Birds Unlimited
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
Wild Birds Unlimited
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