We'll see you today at STEM Stops where we're exploring the unique biology of hummingbirds, their role as pollinators and how we can create spaces to support them in the Rio Grande Valley.✨ #Findyourpark #STEM #Southtexasecology #hummingbirds

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Did You Know? - Hummingbirds have one of the fastest metabolisms of any warm-blooded animal? Learn why and more about these tiny warriors, at tomorrow's STEM Stops! ✨🌺 #STEM #Humminbirdmonth #Southtexasecology #birding

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We are excited to welcome back our weekly "Walk With A Naturalist" program. Join us on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m. to explore the trails and observe changes through the seasons. As we near the end of summer, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are beginning to move through the park, preparing for their southward journey. Granjeno berries are still abundant, the cicadas are continue to sing their song, and the Chachalacas are raising their summer fledglings. Program is included with park admission ($3 adults $2 seniors & children).

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You may have noticed more hummingbirds over the past couple of weeks, and that's because we are entering hummingbird migration season! Read the blog to learn more about hummingbirds in the Rio Grande Valley, how to attract them to your yard (hint: it involves plants), and more! https://cuefornature.wordpress.com/2025/08/26/september-is-for-the-hummingbirds/

Join us on September 13, 2025 as we celebrate hummingbird migration through the Rio Grande Valley. Hummingbird Morning at Quinta Mazatlan features gardens tours to look for hummingbirds, along with educational booths to learn about hummingbirds and how to attract them to your space. There will also be a hummingbird marketplace with food, native plant, and other merchandise vendors, a cupcake contest, activities, and more! Admission is $5, with children 2 and under free.

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Today we enjoyed the beautiful sight (and smell) of a Texas Ebony tree planted at Sam Houston Elementary School. It was planted in 2024 as part of a 10,000 square foot Tiny Forest; thanks to the leadership and care of Principal Jessica Lowe and the school staff, it is blooming and thriving. In just a few minutes of visiting the Tiny Forest, we saw butterflies, hummingbirds, and multitudes of flowers. This is just one example of how Quinta Mazatlan works with partners to advance environmental education, eco-tourism, and the environment for the health of all.

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

✨ 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

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

🌼 Flower of the Week: Texas Lantana (Lantana urticoides)!🌼 Bursting with bold orange and yellow blooms, this native beauty thrives in the summer heat and attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.☀️ Stop by the McAllen Nature Center and see this vibrant wildflower in full bloom! 🐝🌿