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Start your birdwatching hobby

h Great Kiskadee mesquite John Brush 600x600There is a whole lot of feathered fun happening on January 23rd at Quinta Mazatlan. The Center for Urban Ecology is hosting the first Hobbies in Nature session of 2021, “Begin to Birdwatch”. The one-hour program invites guests into the world of birds, where they will be amazed by the beautiful colors, fascinating behaviors, and incredible diversity of birds found all around us.

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Wild Bees still on exhibit

IMAS Bumblebee Exploring Mallow Copyright Paula SharpWild Bees, an exhibition showcasing the works of Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman, is a collection of stunning macro photographs depicting the world of America’s native bees. The exhibit is on a national tour of prominent museums, botanical gardens, and galleries. Originally set to end in October, the exhibit is still buzzing through February 7 at IMAS.

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Bird watching in your own backyard

Bird Log Green Jay IMASJanuary 5 celebrated National Bird Day. The International Museum of Arts and Sciences had presented a lesson on creating your own backyard bird log on their website. Just because the day has past, does not mean you still cannot make one. The information is still on their website and available any time.

In 2002, Born Free USA, a non-profit focused on wildlife conservation, activism, and education, in collaboration with the Avian Welfare Coalition, launched the first annual National Bird Day to promote awareness of birds every January 5th. Many nature and bird lovers observe National Bird Day.

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The Valley’s traveling Veggie Man

Veggie Man IMG 2970He goes by “Pineapple Joe,” or “Big Joe.”

At Canyon Lake RV Resort, on the marker board outside the dining hall, it simply reads: 4 p.m. - Veggie Man.

All of those monikers represent Jose Ybarra and for 21 years he has driven his portable market stand filled with produce and more to Winter Texan parks across the Rio Grande Valley. He brings good deals, fresh vegetables, fruits and more and when his truck appears in a park/resort, the lines start growing.

While the coronavirus pandemic has restructured the way people live, they still need to eat, and Ybarra provides. While the lines may not be as long as in the past, they still know when Ybarra is about to show up and they have their internal clocks ready.

Read more: The Valley’s traveling Veggie Man

In celebration of birds

cb Northern MockingbirdBy John Brush, Urban Ecologist at Quinta Mazatlán, McAllen

The falcon, aglow with the evening’s golden light, banked sharply over the onion field. In response, the seemingly inactive rows suddenly propelled into motion as pipits burst into flight, alarm calls ringing out in warning. After just seconds of the birds whirling together, the falcon flew away empty-taloned, wheeling to the west, and the field returned to its visual dormancy. This time, however, I knew that the pipits were there in the bunches of onions, perhaps trying for one last insect snack before going to roost.

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Liberty hatches on the Sea Turtle Art Trail

turtle art 4202South Padre Island is hatching a very special sea turtle on the Sea Turtle Art Trail at Beach Resort South Padre Island. Painted by local muralist and artist Christina Salazar, “Liberty” is a stunning tribute to the dedication and service of first responders and frontline healthcare workers. A heartbeat is painted on her shell and the overall theme takes on the feeling of the flag in red, white, and blue elements throughout.

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Enjoy the outdoors in Mission

Mission, being full of history, is also a hotspot for birding and butterfly enthusiasts. Mission also has a hiking and biking trail, a state park, and other sites to suit just about any interest. Having a little bit of everything in Mission, makes it a great place to visit any time of year.

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MOSTH presents Killer Bees

Were you in the Rio Grande Valley in 1990? Do you remember the fear over a new insect introduced to the area? The Museum of South Texas History (MOSTH) present “Killer Bees! The Panic over Africanized Honeybees in the Rio Grande Valley” featuring Dr. Jamie Starling. The presentation is part of their Sunday Speaker Series that will be presented online on Facebook Live on Sunday, January 10 at 3 p.m.

Read more: MOSTH presents Killer Bees

Progreso Bridge upgrades

progreso bridgeProgreso International Bridge Director Marga Lopez recently announced the ribbon cutting of the Pedestrian Inspection Lobby.

“We have been busy during this pandemic; we took advantage of this slower than normal time to remodel and double the size of the pedestrian processing area,” said Lopez

Read more: Progreso Bridge upgrades

McAllen opens recycling drop-off facility

The City of McAllen Public Works Department has opened a newly constructed Recycling Center Citizen Drop-Off Facility, with services for both the public at large and those specifically available to McAllen residents. Hours of operation for the facility are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Read more: McAllen opens recycling drop-off facility

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