Volume 14 Issue 2
Fall/Winter 2017
Kingfisher Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center Programs & Events
CENTER NEWS
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Vol. 14, Issue 2
Message from the Manager The slower, quieter and hotter days of summer will soon recede and our grounds and gardens will once again be filled with people and wildlife. It is a prospect that fills us with joy. Cooler breezes, deepening hues in sky and land will soon fill our visions as lilting voices of children and visitors from near and far fill the air. Birds, butterflies, and other animals already trekking across America will soon make their way here to rest or even stay through the winter. We love the bustle of the Fall, the changing colors and feeling that everyone is returning home to us, even if it just for a season. For you see, EWBC is your home, whether you live here in the RGV, visit a few months at a time, or just for a ~ Marisa Oliva ~ few days. We want everyone who walks through our gates to feel welcome. That is why we work so hard all year long to create new features and introduce new programs to make your visit more comfortable, inviting and inspiring. This season, our staff has put together a variety of programs to bring delight, joy, and wonder to visitors of all ages, and with a variety of interests. For families we offer handson nature crafts, family-friendly events, and adventuring. For adults, we’ve included field trips, workshops, and citizen science activities. Teens and adults who want to help wildlife are encouraged to help us with upcoming planting and volunteer days. The EWBC staff and I have been looking forward to this season, but most especially seeing you. Welcome home.
Nature Notes: New Outdoor Spaces The EWBC is pleased to offer three new outdoor spaces for nature enthusiasts and school/youth groups to use while visiting our site. The first area is our new Picnic Pavilion which features three picnic tables capable of seating up to 40 children. Rain or shine, the canopy offers cover during picnics and outdoor classes large or small. Our second installation is our Butterfly Garden Water Feature & Swing Bench providing visitors a peaceful spot to relax while enjoying garden views. Located at the entrance to our Children’s Garden, it’s the perfect spot to watch birds and butterflies at play. And last but not least, we have just completed the installation of the South Pond Picnic and Observation Area. Replacing our southmost overlook, the area includes a picnic table, a cacti garden and benches overlooking South Pond. These additions are some of the many places where visitors can interact with nature and wildlife while on the grounds of the EWBC. We hope you enjoy these beautiful features on your next visit here.
Creature Feature: Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) A carnivorous mammal of the family Canidae, the Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) can be found from most of the southern half of North America to the northern part of South America. With it’s strong, hooked claws, the Gray Fox is the only American canid that can climb trees to escape predators and to obtain food. Gray Foxes are omnivorous, eating anything from Eastern Cottontails and birds, as well as a variety of fruits. Photo courtesy of J. Chavez
The Gray Fox ranges from 29.9 to 44.3 inches in length, and typically weighs 7.9 to 15.4 lbs. Unlike the Red Fox, this animal has a black tipped tail with a black strip running down its back and tail. It also lacks the black feet and the white tipped tail of the Red Fox. Mainly a nocturnal/crepuscular creature, the Gray fox can be seen during the dawn/dusk and night hours in ranches and parks across the Valley, including the EWBC (see photo).
MEMBERSHIPS & PASSES
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Vol. 14, Issue 2
Visit us often? Consider becoming a member of the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. Receive great benefits as you support EWBC educational programs and habitat conservation efforts. The 2017-2018 Membership year runs from June 2017 through July 2018.
Benefits include: 2017-2018 Pyrrhuloxia Patch
Discounts on programs
Free entrance for up to 8 family members
Biannual newsletter mailed to you
10% to 20% discount on most merchandise Free binocular use while on grounds
Cost for Family Membership is $25 per year
The EWBC offers a special pass for Winter Texans (55 years of age and older), good from October 2017 through April 2018. Bene its include: Free entrance for a spouse and up to two guests 10% to 20% discount on most merchandise Our biannual newsletter mailed to you Free binocular use while on grounds Greater Roadrunner Patch
Purchase your Winter Pass for $15!
For portrait photographers who wish to utilize our site multiple times a year, purchase the Photography Pass. Pass includes:
Reservations for photo sessions during regular business hours are recommended 2 weeks in advance.
Access to our grounds for photography sessions anytime during the membership year (12 mos) during regular business hours. Free entry for the photographer and up to 15 clients per photo session. No limit on number of photo shoots per year. Opportunity of reserving our site for an after-hours photo shoot (Tues-Sat), up to two hours after closing.
Please call (956) 381-9922 for more information and for rates.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Vol. 14, Issue 2
Presenting the 30th Anniversary showing of
Saturday, October 14 7:30 p.m. FREE Giants, pirates, a princess, shrieking eels, rodents of unusual size, oh my! Come dressed as your favorite storybook character & receive a free bag of treats. the movie will be shown outdoors at the pergola. please bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. snacks will be available for purchase.
Live Art Demonstrations Natural Art for Kids
Children’s Crafts
Nature Walks
Mini-Workshops
UPCOMING EVENTS
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Vol. 14 Issue 2
Winter Wonder Wetlands
Help increase awareness of pollinators! Join EWBC and take part in the state-wide survey of pollinators. Using social media, we will observe, record, and identify bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. No need to be an expert. Just come on out with your digital device and we’ll help you with the rest (participants will need to have an Instagram, Facebook or iNaturalist account to submit observations).
Enjoy all of Mother Nature’s gifts this winter break with some family fun at the EWBC.
Dec. 27 – 29 10 a.m.—3 p.m. FREE ENTRY ALL WEEK. WEDS: Nature Explorers
Become a Nature Explorer with a Junior Ranger Field Pack. Enjoy scavenger hunts, search for wildlife, and more.
THURS: Nature Games & Crafts Puzzles, games, and crafts await. Get creative and create your own puppet show.
FRI: Building for Nature Build and paint a bird or butterfly house for our winged friends* *While supplies last. $3 fee applies.
The EWBC, Texas Parks & Wildlife, and the City of Edinburg are pleased to present the
Help the EWBC start its wildlife lists for the new year with a “Big Day” species count as we identify as many species as we can in one day. Learn to use apps like iNaturalist and eBird as you help us tally for science. All ages and skill levels welcome. Wednesday, Jan. 3
8 - 11 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 4 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 5
1 - 4 p.m.
2018 Rio Grande Valley Coastal Expo February 8 & 9 (Thurs. & Fri.) 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Edinburg Municipal Park
The RGV Coastal Expo is a free, educational, & fun hands-on event that teaches children, grades 1-6 about coastal ecosystems, South Texas wildlife, and outdoor adventure. Register your class or school. Contact Veronica at vguzman@cityofedinburg.com Looking to volunteer? Contact Monica at mbarrera@cityofedinburg.com
For more information, call us at (956) 381-9922.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
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Spectacular Saturdays It’s a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy nature. On the last Saturday of the month, our doors will open for FREE to the public. Throughout the day there will be puzzles, crafts, games, and guided nature hikes upon request. Binoculars, Children’s Garden Play Sets and Junior Ranger Field Packs are available free of
charge. NOTE: Free entry does not include fee for
concurring programs and activities.
Dates: Time: Fee:
9/30, 10/28, 11/25, 12/30, 1/27, 2/24 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free
Daisy Scout Day Daisy scouts, make your Daisy Flower grow at the EWBC on Daisy Scout Day as you earn your Rosie, Clover, and Zinni Petals. Badges are not included, but scouts will receive a certificate of completion. Registration is required by September 18, and full payment is due by September 20.
Date: Time: Fee:
Saturday, September 23 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. $4 per scout
Basic Fishing for Beginners Beginning anglers ages 7 and up will enjoy this fun course. Learn basic fishing skills, master common fishing knots, and practice casting with a spin-cast rod-and-reel. Learn to identify various game fish as well as baits and lures. Upon completion, students will receive a Basic Angler Certification. Program is free, but registration is required at least one week prior to course.
Date: Time: Fee:
Saturday, October 7 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Free
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Butterfly Bait Workshop Butterflies are a delight to have in the garden, fluttering from flower to flower. However, are there other ways to attract butterflies to your yard? Yes, with butterfly bait. Come learn how to make butterfly bait and find out which species are attracted to it, the best places to use it, and how to store it for multiple uses. Samples provided. RR.
Date: Saturday, October 7 Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Fee: $2 members, $4 non-members
Halloween Pumpkin Planter Give your Halloween decorations a final touch by adding a pumpkin planter containing beautiful plants. Create a pumpkin planter that is sure to add a spooky, yet beautiful, spark to your decorations just in time for Halloween. Bring your pumpkin and we'll supply the rest. RR.
Date: Saturday, October 14 Time: 10 –11:30 a.m. Fee: $6 per pumpkin planter
Fossil Fright Nothing symbolizes Halloween like skeletons. Come explore the spooky world of skeletons as you learn how fossils are created on t his Hal lo wee n weeke nd. Participants will receive a fossil goody bag to take home. RR.
Date: Saturday, October 28 Time: 2 - 3 p.m. Fee: $4 members, $6 non-members
A source for outdoor happenings in the RGV
FAMILY PROGRAMS
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Autumn Art
Shinrin-Yoku
Create a fun and beautiful nature art piece to add to your fall table setting. Using a color spray technique and leaf patterns, play with a variety of fall colors and designs. All materials and supplies will be provided. RR.
Shinrin-Yoku is the Japanese practice of soaking up the
Date: Saturday, November 18 Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m. Fee: $10 per person
Date: Saturday, January 6 Time: 2 - 3 p.m. Fee: Regular admission, members free.
Bird Feeding Ornament Add some holiday cheer to your yard with a beautiful cookie cutter bird feeder ornament created by you. You’ll provide birds with a little snack, and they in turn will add even more beauty to your garden. Attendees will receive a coupon for EWBC Cookie Cutters. RR.
Date: Saturday, December 2 Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Fee: $3 members, $5 non-members
sights, smells, and sounds of nature to promote your health. Take a break from the stress of daily life with a slow, guided journey through the EWBC gardens to open your senses and relax your mind. RR.
Puppet Show: Teeth & Skulls How do animals decide what they can eat? Their teeth tell them. Meet Ruby Rat and her puppet friends as she learns the differences in the teeth of plant and meat eating animals. After the show, enjoy a skull show and tell and see if you can figure out what type of food the animal eats.
Date: Saturday, January 27 Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Fee: Free
Recycled Ornament Craft Day Any time of the year is the time for recycling. Instead of buying new ornaments and decorations this holiday season, make fun and creative ornaments out of recycled materials. RR.
Date: Saturday, December 2 Time: 2 - 4 p.m. Fee: $2 members, $4 non-members
RR: Reservations Required Please make reservations at least two days in advance, unless otherwise noted, by calling us at (956) 381-9922. Member price is for EWBC family members only.
Bring the kids out to the EWBC and go on a photography scavenger hunt throughout the gardens. Join Texas Master Naturalist and Adventure Guide Neil Cassady as he leads groups in an exploration of the trails to search for and photograph wildlife. Cameras will be provided, but families are encouraged to bring their own.
Photo Adventures are 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. on the following Saturdays: Oct. 21 * Nov. 18 * Dec 16 Jan 20 * Feb 17 Free with paid admission.
ADULT PROGRAMS
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Bird Walks Join us for a walk around our grounds as we introduce you to the abundant birds that make the EWBC home. Scopes, binoculars, and field guides are provided. Tours are available in English or Spanish. Can't make the tour this time? Call Monica Barrera, Interpretive Naturalist, to schedule a tour, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (dependent on Naturalist availability). RR.
Date: Every Tuesday, September - May 1 Time: 8:30 - 10 a.m. Fee: Regular admission, members free
Fall Butterfly Walks October through November, join our naturalists on a walk around the park as we search for butterflies. From queens to skippers, we’ll go around and look to see how many we can find. Can't make the tour this time? Call Monica Barrera, Interpretive Naturalist, to schedule a tour, Tuesday through Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (dependent on Naturalist availability). RR.
Date: Every Saturday, October - November Time: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Fee: Regular admission, members free
Butterfly Garden in a Pot Create a beautiful butterfly-attracting garden in a container for your patio or porch. Join us as we walk you through the steps of plant selection, design, and care and maintenance. Participants will be provided with all the materials needed to create a multi-plant planter to take home. RR.
Date: Saturday, October 21 Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m. Fee: $35 per container
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Painting with Nature Create your own painting materials from the natural world around you. Join us for a trail walk to collect supplies to make your own nature brushes. After the walk, join us in the classroom for a painting session using paint made from native fruit and brushes made by you. Ages 10 & up. RR.
Date: Saturday, December 16 Time: 9:30 - 11 a.m. Fee: $2 members, $4 non-members
Rancho Lomitas Tour Travel with the EWBC staff to the Rio Grande City area and tour the brushland of Rancho Lomitas. Ranch owner Benito Trevino will lead the group around the ranch and discuss how native plants have historically helped local people survive our harsh environment. Reservations are required at least two days in advance.
Date: Wednesday, January 10 Time: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Fee: $20 members $25 non-members
Join us as we expand our habitat. Help us in establishing plants for butterflies, insects, and birds, and learn useful tips on how to plant natives in your own yard. Water and tools will be provided, but volunteers may bring their own as well.
September 20 & December 6 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
ADULT & FAMILY SERIES
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Not sure how to get your wildlife garden started? This series will take you through the steps of starting and successfully managing a native plant garden. Participants will receive a completion certificate after each lesson. RR. September September September September
2: Intro to landscaping 9: Choosing Native Plants 16: Irrigation Systems 23: Water Features
9 - 10:30 a.m .
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Artistry Skills Series Interested in learning a new skill or learning about a certain art form? Join the EWBC and get your creative juices flowing as we invite local artists to offer an array of skills classes. Registration is required at least 2 days in advance. November 4: Nature Sketching December 9: Woodcarving January 20: Wool Spinning February 24: Quilting/Sewing Please call ahead for times and fees.
Fee: Free members, $2 non-members
Beginner Birder Series
Urban Legends: Eerie Creature Stories
Interested in birding but don’t know where to start? Join us for our Beginner Birder Series, where a variety of bird groups will be explored, and tips for their identification will be discussed to elevate your birding game. RR.
Get spooky with the EWBC during October. Join us on Tuesdays and discover chilling stories and myths about South Texas wildlife. From snakes to owls, and anything that growls, we’ll have some eerie stories for you! For ages 5 and up. RR.
December 1: Introduction to Raptors December 8: Introduction to Sparrows December 15: Introduction to Shorebirds December 22: Introduction to Warblers 2 – 3 p.m. Please call ahead for rates.
October 10, 17, and 24 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Regular admission, members free
Have specific badge requirements you are aiming to meet this year? Let us help you. We are flexible in our ability to customize a variety of scout programs for your troop.
No zombie apocalypse. No alien invasion. This is a simple and practical guide to dealing with real emergencies in our ecoregion, presented by Texas Master Naturalist and Survival Expert Neil Cassady. RR. December 6: Communications December 13: Cutting Tools & Techniques December 20: Containers & Uses January 10: Combustion January 17: Cover & Cordage 2 - 3 p.m. Members free, $2 non-members
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Field Guides
LIBERTY GRAPHICS T-Shirts
15% OFF
BUY ONE, GET ONE
50% OFF!
Vol. 14, Issue 2
EWBC Members receive an additional
10% off
most merchandise.
Excludes Member Price. Discount applies to shirts of equal or lesser value.
Looking for a place to host your next business meeting, party, or wedding ceremony? Consider the Edinburg World Birding Center. We have a variety of options available indoors and out. For more information, visit us at www.EdinburgWBC.org or call (956) 381-9922.
Are you looking for a unique birthday experience? Book you child’s next birthday bash at the Wetlands for a birthday your child won’t soon forget! The birthday boy or girl and their guests will be treated to a one hour program of their choice, followed by a party in the classroom. Program activities can include nature scavenger hunts, puppet shows, show and tell, nature crafts, and more. To reserve your next birthday bash, call (956) 381-9922.
HOLIDAY CLOSINGS The EWBC will be closed for the following staff days and national holidays:
Sept. 4 Nov. 10 Nov. 23-24 Dec. 25-26 Jan. 1 Feb. 10
Labor Day Veteran’s Day Thanksgiving Christmas New Years Day Staff Day
EWBC FALL/WINTER HOURS OFFICE: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon.-Sat.) GROUNDS: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon.) 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. (Tues.-Sat) CLOSED SUNDAYS **South Pond Open Sunrise to Sunset**
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Can’t make it to us? We will come to you!
PROGRAMS INCLUDE: Birds/Wildlife of the RGV Native Trees Nature Puppet Shows Wild Watershed Nature Careers Classroom Gardens
Vol. 14, Issue 2
Topics include: Insect Investigations
Whose Habitat
Wetland Explorations Reptile Mania
Soil Sense
Birding Mania
and more… Programs are offered for Pre-K - 12 grades; length & prices vary. Please call us in advance at (956) 381-9922
Minimum fee is $50 for a one hour program. Price will vary depending on program length, supplies needed, and travel distance. Call us today.
to schedule your school. *Maximum number of students per trip is 100
Junior Ranger Field Packs Have a nature question? Visit with EWBC Naturalists on the last Saturday of the month from 12 - 1 p.m. to chat about nature. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the scenery.
Designed for children ages 6 and up. Packs include binoculars, animal & plant field guides, magnifying lens, aquatic net & collecting tray, nature journal & more.
Children’s Garden Play Sets Designed for children ages 5 and under. Choose from ten different play sets, including music makers, dinosaurs, gardening, and fairies & gnomes. Rentals are free of charge with a valid ID. Limited to one activity pack per family.
Visit us online at:
SEPTEMBER 2 Gardening Series: Introduction 9 Gardening Series: Native Plants 16 Gardening Series: Irrigation 20 Volunteer Planting Day 23 Texas Pollinator Bio Blitz 23 Gardening Series: Water Features 23 Daisy Scout Day 30 Spectacular Saturday OCTOBER 7 Beginner Fishing 7 Butterfly Bait Workshop 10 Scary Stories 14 Halloween Planter 14 Outdoor Movie Night 17 Scary Stories 21 Photo Adventures 21 Butterfly Garden in a Pot 24 Scary Stories 28 Fossil Fright 28 Spectacular Saturday NOVEMBER 4 Skills Series: Nature Sketching 4 Scenic Arts Festival 18 Autumn Art 18 Photo Adventures 25 Spectacular Saturday
JANUARY 3-5 EWBC Big Days 6 Shinrin-Yoku 10 Rancho Lomitas Tour 10, 17 Survival in S. TX Thornscrub 20 Skills Series: Wool Spinning 20 Photo Adventures 27 Puppet Show 27 Spectacular Saturday FEBRUARY 17 Photo Adventures 24 Skills Series: Quilting/Sewing 24 Spectacular Saturday Butterfly Walks Every Saturday
www.EdinburgWBC.org
714 Raul Longoria RD PO BOX 1079 Edinburg, TX 78539
Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center
Bird Walks Every Tuesday
DECEMBER 1 Beginner Birder Series: Raptors 2 Bird Feeder Ornament 2 Recycled Ornament Crafts 6 Volunteer Planting Day 6,13,20 Survival in S. TX Thornscrub 8 Beginner Birder Series: Sparrows 9 Skills Series: Woodworking 15 Beginner Birder Series: Shorebirds 16 Painting with Nature 16 Photo Adventures 22 Beginner Birder Series: Warblers 27-29 Winter Wonder Wetlands 30 Spectacular Saturday
Fall/Winter 2017
Programs & Events