Join the Center for Urban Ecology at Quinta Mazatlán for a journey into the world of rare birds on Saturday morning, December 12. The program will deepen your understanding of who our rare birds are, what makes them rare, and puts them in the context of a changing bird community in the Rio Grande Valley. Visitors will get to share in the excitement and mystery of rare birds of the past, speculation on which ones may show up next, and will leave knowing more about the birds that secret away in the Rio Grande Valley’s forests, marshes, and even yards.

 

The presentation on rare birds of the Rio Grande Valley is about the excitement and allure of seeing some of the Valley’s most sought-after birds. This year has been a great one for rare birds, including three rare visitors at Quinta Mazatlán – Crimson-collared Grosbeak, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, and Pacific-slope Flycatcher.

The program covers what makes a bird rare, from being difficult to see to wandering far outside its normal range and introduces how birdwatchers categorize them. Attendees will take a virtual birding trip, visiting local birding hotspots and enjoying both the famous birds and hidden gems seen across the region. The presentation is given by John Brush, Urban Ecologist for the City of McAllen. Brush is a professional biologist who has studied, taught about, and guided people to see birds in the Rio Grande Valley for over a decade.

This presentation is open to everyone, whether you are a dedicated bird watcher or just curious about the birds that brighten our days. Given in a friendly, engaged style, the program has something that people of all backgrounds can learn and enjoy.

For the safety of guests, space is limited, and reservations required online, program delivered outdoors, seats socially distanced, and masks recommended. You can purchase your contactless tickets ($5) online at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com (search Quinta Mazatlán). Rare Birds of the Rio Grande Valley is from 10–11 a.m. on Saturday, December 12. For more information, please call Quinta Mazatlán at (956) 681-3370.

PHOTO #1: Crimson-collared grosbeak

One of three rare birds seen at Quinta Mazatlán this winter is the Crimson-collared Grosbeak, attracting lots of attention in the birding community around the world.

PHOTO #2: Red-billed Pigeon

Red-billed Pigeons are a rare resident of the upper Rio Grande Valley, mostly seen along the river in fruiting trees.