Kingfisher. Volume 16 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2019

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1 Volume 16 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2019 Kingfisher City of Edinburg Parks & Recreation Department Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center Programs & Events

If you are looking for some fun in the sun and outdoor explorations, look no further than the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center.

Let us help you disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life with a nature experience at the Scenic Wetlands. Looking to learn more about birds and wildlife?

Perhaps you would rather take things at your own pace. Each month during Spectacular Saturday we will showcase a new theme, with self-led elements for you or for your family and friends to try.

2 Page 1 CENTER NEWS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Message from the Manager It s that time of year again, when the flowers are blooming, the insects are buzzing, and most of us are ready to don our shorts, sandals and floppy hats. If you are looking for some fun in the sun and outdoor explorations, look no further than the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. This spring and summer, we are offering wonderful programs and activities to help you discover nature, use your creativity, relax or just play. Let us help you disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life with a nature experience at the Scenic Wetlands. Looking to learn more about birds and wildlife? Then join us for Tuesday Bird Walks, the E-bird Workshop or INaturalist Day. Like the fun of competition? ~ Marisa Oliva ~ Then sign up for the Edinburg Bird-A-Thon, the RGV Family Summer Adventure Challenge, or the familyfriendly Survival Series. Do you want to connect with the littlest ones in your family? Then bring your loved ones out for a Nature Picnic with Mom, a Nature Hike with Dad, Toddler Playdates and more. Perhaps you would rather take things at your own pace. Each month during Spectacular Saturday we will showcase a new theme, with self-led elements for you or for your family and friends to try. We will also unveil our new Nature Museum where you can add to the collection and peruse what others have found. As always, rental packs for toddlers to teens are available for self-led explorations of our ponds, play areas and gardens. All season long, there are great ways to explore nature, so come explore with us at EWBC. Nature Notes: Thank you Eagle Scouts During the fall and winter of 2018, Scouts Alex Pena, Jacob Cantu and Marco A. Silguero each completed a project on the Center s grounds to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Alex built and installed two owl boxes to provide nesting space for owls in our Palm Garden and Forest Trail. Jacob built and installed a canopy over our existing fire pit, which will allow program participants to enjoy campfire programs in more comfort. Marco built a pergola structure at our Canal Overlook so that birders and other EWBC visitors can have a shady area from which to search for birds at our North Pond and canal. We thank the scouts for their service to the EWBC and for the improvements they have made to our grounds on behalf of wildlife and our visitors. Creature Feature: Dragonfly Nymphs These underwater predators may be small, but they play an enormous role in the ecosystem, particularly that of wetlands. Their presence indicates the current health of a freshwater body. If they re not present, it can mean that the water is polluted. Dragonfly nymphs, or larvae, are part of the second stage of the three-part Dragonfly life cycle, between egg and flying adult. In this stage, they spend most of their time underwater in freshwater streams or ponds, hunting food. Dragonfly nymphs are the largest aquatic insect predator. They have an extended lower mandible that folds like a mask over the face which helps them quickly catch prey including mosquito larvae, other insects, small fish and even newts. To see one up close or learn more about this fascinating creature, visit EWBC and rent out an explorer back pack at the EWBC gift shop on your next visit.

month, join us for free, family-friendly

(Free entry does not include fee for concurring

sites across the RGV with your family this

visit EWBC, call (956) 381-9922 or visit www.

org Bring your family and a picnic basket out

3 UPCOMING EVENTS Page 2 Vol. 16, Issue 1 On the last Saturday of every month, join us for free, family-friendly activities. ENTRY IS FREE ALL DAY! (Free entry does not include fee for concurring programs and does not apply to portrait photography groups.) Dates and themes: Explore different nature sites across the RGV with your family this summer and complete various challenges for a chance to win cool prizes. For more information or to register, please visit EWBC, call (956) or visit Bring your family and a picnic basket out for a day of family fun. Join in on games such as a water balloon toss, tug of war, 3-legged race and more. Register for the RGV Family Summer Adventure Challenge and start competing. Admission is FREE

4 Page 3 UPCOMING EVENTS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Free Entry. Must be 6 years old or older to participate and accompanied by an adult if under 16 years of age. Registration required.

Toddler Play Dates are a great way to introduce your tot to the outdoors and to

Join us for an hour of guided activities including songs, crafts and nature walks,

Nutty about Knots The craft of knot tying is an essential outdoor skill and fun to

Come and learn a range of knots for different outdoor uses and practice tying them.

Preregistration is required three days before the program.

5 Page 4 FAMILY PROGRAMS Vol. 16 Issue 1 This spring, help your tot discover the fun of nature. Toddler Play Dates are a great way to introduce your tot to the outdoors and to other kids through interactive play, learning, and creativity. Join us for an hour of guided activities including songs, crafts and nature walks, followed by optional free play. For children 18 months to 4 years old. Registration is required. Program Dates and Themes: March 16 Bugs April 20 May 11 June 15 Nature s Colors Mud Splash Party Time: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Nutty about Knots The craft of knot tying is an essential outdoor skill and fun to learn. Come and learn a range of knots for different outdoor uses and practice tying them. This program is recommended for ages 8 and up. Preregistration is required three days before the program. Date: Saturdays, March 9 and May 18 Time: 10-11:30 a.m. $3 members, $5 non-members Toddler Play Dates $2 per toddler with one free guardian Date: Saturday, April 13 Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free Orienteering Learn about cardinal points and navigate your way through our gardens by using a compass in this fun and challenging program. We ll walk along the gardens in search of various items while learning about navigation and using compasses to help guide our way. RR. Date: Saturday, April 20 Time: 2-3:30 p.m. Geology Rocks Join the UTRGV Geology Club to explore how the earth is formed. View rocks, minerals, salts and geodes up close, and even hold a meteorite in your hand! Regular admission, members free March Mon: Self-led Scavenger Hunts, all day Tue: Nature Play, 1-3 pm Wed: Nature Hikes, 10:30-11 :30am & 2:30-3:30 pm Thu: Pond Mucking, 11 am - 12 pm & 2-3 pm Fri: Boat Building, 2-4 pm Activities are free with regular paid admission. Please call (956) to register.

Page 5 FAMILY PROGRAMS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Join EWBC staff at the canal overlook and help them in their efforts to win the Texas Birding Classic Big Sit!

Bring your chair, your keen senses, and jump in the count circle and help us tally some birds. Date: Thursday, April 18 Time: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. FREE Admission Date: Saturday, May 4 Time: 10-11:30 a.

Learn what makes insects so special, then join us as we flutter like a butterfly, march like an ant, and chirp like a cricket as we explore the grounds to find where insects live.

$2 members, $4 non-members Bring a sack lunch and your favorite blanket and spend a wonderful morning with Mom, letting the sounds of nature relax you as you picnic in our gardens.

Date: Saturday, May 11 Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Beginning anglers ages 7 and up will enjoy this fun, hands-on training course.

Upon completion of the course, students will receive a Basic Angler Certification and fish recognition pin. Registration is required at least one week prior to course.

6 Page 5 FAMILY PROGRAMS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Join EWBC staff at the canal overlook and help them in their efforts to win the Texas Birding Classic Big Sit! competition as they try to hear or see as many bird species as possible from within a 17 circle for the day. Bring your chair, your keen senses, and jump in the count circle and help us tally some birds. Date: Thursday, April 18 Time: 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. FREE Admission Date: Saturday, May 4 Time: 10-11:30 a.m. GTBC Big Sit Insect Safari Who has six legs and no bones? Insects! Learn what makes insects so special, then join us as we flutter like a butterfly, march like an ant, and chirp like a cricket as we explore the grounds to find where insects live. Afterward, get inspired and make your own insect craft to take home. RR. $2 members, $4 non-members Bring a sack lunch and your favorite blanket and spend a wonderful morning with Mom, letting the sounds of nature relax you as you picnic in our gardens. We ll start with a nature walk, then enjoy bonding time while snacking at our picnic pergola as we listen to the songs of the birds and observe butterflies fluttering by. Date: Saturday, May 11 Time: 10:30 a.m p.m. Beginning anglers ages 7 and up will enjoy this fun, hands-on training course. Learn basic fishing skills, like fishing knots, baits and lures, fish ID, and fishing regulations, and practice casting with a rod-and-reel combo. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a Basic Angler Certification and fish recognition pin. Registration is required at least one week prior to course. Dates: Saturdays, June 1 and August 17 Time: 9 a.m p.m. Nature Picnic with Mom Regular admission, members free Beginner Fishing Workshops Free Creatures of the Night Learn about the fascinating world that emerges after the sun sets. Program includes a presentation and an outdoor activity. Presenters may showcase live animals. Spiders the All-Nighters Discover the amazing spider, with this fun interactive program. Learn how they build webs, hunt for prey and more. Please bring your flashlights for the outdoor activity. Starry Night Explore the night sky in this program of astronomical proportions. Learn to identify some constellations, look through a telescope and wish upon a star. Thursday, June 6 8-9:30 p.m. $2 non-member. Members Free Thursday, July 11 8:30-10 p.m. $2 non-member. Members Free Thursday, Aug. 8 8:45-10 p.m. $5 non-member. $3 member Registration is required for all programs. Please call (956) to register.

Page 6 FAMILY PROGRAMS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Join the EWBC Naturalist team as we venture the gardens to observe and count as much flora and fauna as we can.

Date: Saturday, June 8 Time: 9-11 a.m. EWBC Summer Wildlife Count Regular admission, members free Come out to the EWBC gardens and spend a relaxing morning with Dad.

Date: Saturday, June 8 Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Nature Hike with Dad Regular admission, members free Do you know the story of how the House Wren became king of the birds?

You are sure to leave with an even greater fascination and wonder about our local wildlife. Date: Saturday, June 22 Time

Discover what geocaching is, learn to use a GPS receiver, and go on a geocaching adventure as you fulfill the requirements to earn your Geocaching Badge.

Date: Saturday, August 10 Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. $4 per scout The EWBC gardens provide excellent habitat for butterflies.

m. Date: Saturday, August 17 Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Butterfly Baiting Regular admission, members free At the EWBC, we strive to provide great habitat for our local wildlife.

7 Page 6 FAMILY PROGRAMS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Join the EWBC Naturalist team as we venture the gardens to observe and count as much flora and fauna as we can. As the heat begins to rise in the summer, what critters are around? What plants bloom and what plants struggle? Let's find out and record our observations together. Date: Saturday, June 8 Time: 9-11 a.m. EWBC Summer Wildlife Count Regular admission, members free Come out to the EWBC gardens and spend a relaxing morning with Dad. Enjoy bonding time as you walk through the trails on a guided nature walk and learn about wildlife as you go. End the program with skill-building activities. Date: Saturday, June 8 Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Nature Hike with Dad Regular admission, members free Do you know the story of how the House Wren became king of the birds? Or why bats are active at night? Learn about these mythical stories and others during our Mythical Wildlife program. You are sure to leave with an even greater fascination and wonder about our local wildlife. Date: Saturday, June 22 Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Mythical Wildlife Regular admission, members free Geocaching Girl Scout Badge Junior Girl Scouts, have a geocaching adventure at the EWBC. Discover what geocaching is, learn to use a GPS receiver, and go on a geocaching adventure as you fulfill the requirements to earn your Geocaching Badge. Badge not included, but scouts will receive a certificate of completion. Scouts must be accompanied by a troop leader or guardian. Registration and payment is required by August 8. Date: Saturday, August 10 Time: 10 a.m p.m. $4 per scout The EWBC gardens provide excellent habitat for butterflies. Learn a simple technique to view these butterflies up close, and then walk the gardens to see how many species you can find and identify. Activity is available anytime between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Date: Saturday, August 17 Time: 9 a.m p.m. Butterfly Baiting Regular admission, members free At the EWBC, we strive to provide great habitat for our local wildlife. Help us keep track of our progress with the inaturalist app. Become a citizen scientist and join us as we record our sites flora and fauna, and learn how to use the app to keep track of critters and plants in your backyard, too. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Date: Saturday, August 24 Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. inaturalist Day Regular admission, members free RR: Reservations Required Please make reservations at least two days in advance, unless otherwise noted, by calling us at (956) Member price is for EWBC family members only.

our gardens and wetlands home. Tours are available in English or Spanish.

Call Monica at (956) 381-9922 to schedule a tour, Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m.

Date: Every Tuesday, September - May 7 Time: 8:30-10 a.m. ebird can be a very valuable tool for any birder.

birds you and others see and finding birding hot spots in your area, all while contributing

nation wide scientific research project.

least 16 years old to join. Date: Saturday, April 6 Time

Bird Walks Regular admission, members free Nature Tech: Using ebird Regular admission,

citizens to help with gardening projects, garden maintenance, construction projects and more.

Call Monica to schedule another date for you or your group! Wednesday, April 10 8:30-11:30 a.

and ecological systems through fun, hands-on, and easy to use activities.

8 Page 7 ADULT PROGRAMS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Join us for a walk around our grounds as we introduce you to the birds that make our gardens and wetlands home. Tours are available in English or Spanish. Can't make the tour this time? Call Monica at (956) to schedule a tour, Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (dependent on Naturalist availability). Date: Every Tuesday, September - May 7 Time: 8:30-10 a.m. ebird can be a very valuable tool for any birder. Join us and learn how to use it to its full potential, including keeping records of the birds you and others see and finding birding hot spots in your area, all while contributing to science and conservation. Date: Saturday, March 23 Time: 10-11:30 a.m. Project Martin Watch Training Become a citizen scientist and help us keep track of the EWBC purple martin colony. Join the Purple Martin Task Force and count nests, eggs, and young and report the data to a nation wide scientific research project. Task force members will collect data Tuesdays and Saturdays, April - July, and must be at least 16 years old to join. Date: Saturday, April 6 Time: 2-3 p.m. Bird Walks Regular admission, members free Nature Tech: Using ebird Regular admission, members free Regular admission, members free The EWBC is seeking energetic, earth loving citizens to help with gardening projects, garden maintenance, construction projects and more. Water and tools will be provided, or volunteers may bring their own. Call Monica at (956) for more information or to sign up. Want to volunteer but can t make this date? Call Monica to schedule another date for you or your group! Wednesday, April 10 8:30-11:30 a.m. Project WILD Workshop Educators, learn how to teach young people about wildlife, habitat, and ecological systems through fun, hands-on, and easy to use activities. Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, aligned to the TEKS, and teachers earn SBEC and TEEAC credit. This workshop includes sampling of activities and curriculum guide. Space is limited. Registration and payment is due by July 31st. Date: Wednesday, August 7 Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $40 (Snacks provided) Have a nature question? Found an interesting nature item? Donate it to the EWBC Nature Museum for all to admire and enjoy! Pieces will be on display every Saturday beginning in April. Please call (956) for more information about the kinds of items accepted into the Museum. Visit with EWBC Naturalists on the last Friday of the month from 12-1 p.m. to chat about nature. Bring a picnic lunch and dine in the beautiful scenery of Mother Nature.

9 Page 8 SUMMER CAMPS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Spend time with your tot exploring nature! Ages: 18 mo - 4 yr Dates: May Time: 9-10:30 a.m. $10 members, $14 non-members Discover the art and fun of nature! Ages: 5-7 Dates: July Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m. $28 members, $32 non-members Join professional photographer Ruth Hoyt in this fun photo camp! Ages: 9-13 Dates: July Time: 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. $150 Get wet & wild as you learn about wetland critters & coastal ecology. Ages: 8-12 Dates: July 30 - Aug. 2 Time: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. $70 members, $78 non-members *Camp includes a trip to South Padre Island Participants will learn about animals, plants, and the outdoor world through hands-on activities, explorations, arts & crafts and more! For all camps, registration deadline is one week prior to camp start date. Full payment is due two days prior to camp start date. Space is limited, so register your child today! Please call us at (956) for more information or to register.

public outreach, wildlife / habitat conservation or environmental

mbarrera@cityofedinburg.com Have a at the Wetlands!

ability to customize a variety of programs to meet your needs.

Go on a wild adventure and discover amazing wildlife around every

Packs include ID guides, magnifying lenses, activity sheets,

Toddler Play Sets Designed for kids ages 6 and up.

Limited to one field pack rental per family.

Cooking Explorers & Dinosaurs Rentals can be checked out in our Gift

10 Page 9 ANNOUNCEMENTS Vol. 16, Issue 1 The EWBC offers internships for college students and career explorers. If you are interested in gaining real-world experience in marketing, public outreach, wildlife / habitat conservation or environmental education, contact Monica Barrera at (956) or mbarrera@cityofedinburg.com Have a at the Wetlands! The birthday child and guests will be treated to a one hour program followed by a party in the classroom. Activities can include nature scavenger hunts, puppet shows, show and tell, nature crafts and more! To reserve your next birthday bash, call (956) Let us help you earn your badges! From outdoor survival skills to conservation, we are flexible in our ability to customize a variety of programs to meet your needs. Call us to schedule your individualized program. Looking to become an Eagle Scout? We have many opportunities to complete your service project at the EWBC. Call us for details. If you love exploring nature, then this field pack is for you! Go on a wild adventure and discover amazing wildlife around every corner. Packs include ID guides, magnifying lenses, activity sheets, collection trays and more. Toddler Play Sets Designed for kids ages 6 and up. Rentals are free of charge with a valid ID. Limited to one field pack rental per family. Gardening Music Makers Fairies & Gnomes Digging & Trucks Kitchen & Cooking Explorers & Dinosaurs Rentals can be checked out in our Gift Shop. Have a PLAY-DATE at our Children s Garden while exploring your surroundings through imaginative play. Ten play sets available, along with a chair, wagon & backpack. Rentals are FREE with a valid ID. Limited to one play set per family. HOLIDAY & STAFF CLOSINGS The EWBC will be closed for the following staff days and national holidays: April 12 Good Friday May 2-3 Staff Development Days May 27 Memorial Day June 24 Event Preparation July 4 Independence Day July 6 City Event 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**

8 family members 10% to 20% discount on most merchandise Discounts

is $25 and runs from June 2019 through July 2020.

Reptile Mania Birding Mania and more Programs are offered for Pre-K

11 Page 10 ANNOUNCEMENTS Vol. 16, Issue 1 Become a member of the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center. Receive great benefits as you support our educational programs and habitat conservation efforts. Benefits include: Membership Patch Free entrance for up to 8 family members 10% to 20% discount on most merchandise Discounts on programs Biannual newsletter mailed to you The Family Membership is $25 and runs from June 2019 through July Insect Investigations Whose Habitat Wetland Explorations Soil Sense Reptile Mania Birding Mania and more Programs are offered for Pre-K - 12 grades; length & prices vary. Can t come to us? We can come to you. Call us at (956) for information about our Outreach Programs or to schedule your school. For portrait photographers, $75 yearly pass includes: 12 month access (from purchase date) Free entry for photographer and up to 15 clients No limit on number of photo shoots per year Opportunity of reserving site for an afterhours photo shoot (Tues-Sat), up to two hours after closing, at $50 an hour Visit the city s website at:

MARCH 9 Nutty about Knots 11-15 Spring Break Adventures 16 Toddler Play Date 23 ebird & inaturalist 23 Youth Photo Workshop 30 Spectacular Saturday APRIL 6 Bird-A-Thon Kick-Off 6 Purple Martin Watch

Hike with Mom 18 Nutty about Knots 25 RGV FSAC Kick-Off 29-31 Tots Nature Camp Bird Walks: Every Tuesday, March - May 1st Lunch w/ a Naturalist: Last Fri of the month Project Martin Watch: Tue & Sat,

12 MARCH 9 Nutty about Knots Spring Break Adventures 16 Toddler Play Date 23 ebird & inaturalist 23 Youth Photo Workshop 30 Spectacular Saturday APRIL 6 Bird-A-Thon Kick-Off 6 Purple Martin Watch Introduction 10 Volunteer Day 13 Geology Rocks 18 Big Sit 20 Toddler Play Date 20 Orienteering 27 Spectacular Saturday MAY 4 Insect Safari 8 Bird-a-Thon Awards Ceremony 11 Toddler Play Date 11 Nature Hike with Mom 18 Nutty about Knots 25 RGV FSAC Kick-Off Tots Nature Camp Bird Walks: Every Tuesday, March - May 1st Lunch w/ a Naturalist: Last Fri of the month Project Martin Watch: Tue & Sat, April-July JUNE 1 Fishing for Beginners 6 Creatures of the Night 8 Summer Wildlife Count 15 Nature Hike with Dad 15 Toddler Play Date 22 Mythical Wildlife 29 Fairy Fest JULY 11 Spiders the All-Nighters Naturally Creative Camp 17 Survival Series Ruth Hoyt Photography Camp 24 Survival Series 27 Spectacular Saturday 30-2 Aquanauts Summer Camp 31 Survival Series AUGUST 7 Project WILD Workshop 8 Astronomy Night 10 Geocaching for Girl Scouts 17 Butterfly Baiting 17 Fishing for Beginners 24 inaturalist Day 31 Spectacular Saturday Spring/Summer 2019 Programs & Events Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center 714 Raul Longoria RD PO BOX 1079 Edinburg, TX Parks & Recreation Department

Volume 15 Issue 2 Fall/Winter Kingfisher. Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center Programs & Events

Volume 15 Issue 2 Fall/Winter 2018 Kingfisher Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center Programs & Events Page 1 CENTER NEWS Vol. 15, Issue 2 Vol. 15, Issue 2 Message from the Manager It is hard