Store and Community Nature Events
Scroll for the list of local tours, talks, and other events sponsored by us or organizations we collaborate with. Sharing the joy of birds and nature is at the core of Wild Birds Unlimited. Here at your locally owned WBU McAllen store, we're committed to helping our fellow Rio Grande Valley residents and visitors connect with the unique ecology and wildlife the Valley has to offer.
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BIRDING
Saturday, February 21, 2026
Guided Bird Walk with David Sarkozi | Edinburg, TX | 8:30–10:30 a.m.
We're thrilled to have David Sarkozi, Texas birding legend and author of the "Birds of Texas" field guide, leading us on a bird walk at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center, one of the Valley's birding hotspots! Don't miss it!
Then in the afternoon, David will be back in our store with a great FREE talk—details below.
- PARK FEE: The guided walk itself is free, but there is a small park admission fee you must pay. See the park's website for fees.
- Meet at the visitor center.
- Please wear suitable footwear.
- Bring water, hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, etc.
- Don't forget your binoculars! If you're looking to buy or upgrade your binoculars, we carry some fantastic options for birders. Stop in to check them out!
- Location: Edinburg Scenic Wetlands & World Birding Center, 714 S. Raul Longoria Road, Edinburg, Texas 78542
About Our Expert Guide
David Sarkozi is the author of "Birds of Texas: A Timber Press Field Guide," a 45-year veteran birder, and past president and 16-year board member of the Texas Ornithological Society. He invented the Texas Century Club, a quest to record 100 species of Birds in 100 Texas Counties. He has completed two 500 bird big years (2015 and 2017), and in 2019, was the first to bird every Texas County in a single year (254 counties). He manages the Facebook Group TexBirds with more than 8,000 followers, as well as the Texas e-mail list TEXBIRDS with about 1,800 subscribers.
NATURE TALK + BOOK SIGNING
Saturday, February 21, 2026
"Beyond the Birds of Texas: Stories That Don't Fit in a Field Guide" | In-Store | 2–3 pm.
Come meet David Sarkozi, author of the "Birds of Texas" and Texas birding legend, for a lively look at the unexpected side of Texas birdlife. David will be going beyond his field guide to share surprising facts and stories left on the cutting-room floor. "Birds of Texas" may run 614 pages, but that’s still not enough to capture the full story of the state’s remarkable birds! For example:
- Why is one of Texas’s most common ducks nocturnal?
- And how do the hummingbirds Rivoli and Anna connect to Bond… James Bond?
Afterward, David will be signing copies of his excellent field guide!
About Our Expert Speaker
David Sarkozi is the author of "Birds of Texas: A Timber Press Field Guide," a 45-year veteran birder, and past president and 16-year board member of the Texas Ornithological Society. He invented the Texas Century Club, a quest to record 100 species of Birds in 100 Texas Counties. He has completed two 500-bird big years (2015 and 2017), and in 2019, was the first to bird every Texas County in a single year (254 counties). He manages the Facebook Group TexBirds with more than 8,000 followers, as well as the Texas e-mail list TEXBIRDS with about 1,800 subscribers.
NATURE TALK
Saturday, February 28, 2026
"Using Lessons from Leopold to Inspire and Guide Your Conservation Efforts" | In-Store | 2–3 pm.
Please join us on a guided exploration of "Lessons from Leopold: Learning from the Land." This collection of works by renowned Texas conservationist Steve Nelle gleans actionable lessons on modern ecology, land ethics, and conservation from concepts pioneered by the father of modern wildlife management, Aldo Leopold (1887–1948). Iliana Peña wrote the introduction to this thought-provoking book and will lead an interactive conversation about how the book can be used to gain and share insights and perspectives on the role each of us can play in conserving the natural wonders of Texas.
Iliana will also be giving us an intro to and inside look at WILD THUMB—the Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation's new app to help Texans grow native plants and create habitats for pollinators!
About Our Expert Speaker
Iliana Peña is a conservation strategies consultant partnering with land trusts and agencies to advance high-impact land protection. She previously served as Director of Conservation at Texas Wildlife Association and spent 14 years with Audubon Texas, leading habitat restoration and statewide programs. A Conservation Coaches Network Coach, she chairs Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Conservation Advisory Committee. She champions collaborative, science-based stewardship across Texas landscapes for future generations. Iliana holds a B.S. in Wildlife & Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Range & Wildlife Management from Texas A&M University–Kingsville.
NATIVE PLANT SALES
We're now stocking native plants regularly now—come check them out! Learn why natives are so good for you AND your birds.
More WBU McAllen events coming soon!
Check our Facebook events page, as we often post there first.
Native Plant Tours
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Run by ethnobotanist Benito Treviño (featured by American Forests) and wife Toni.
- 621 W La Sagunada Rd., Rio Grande City, TX 78582
Birding Tours and Retreats
- Nature Ninja Birding Tours offers exceptional guided tours and all-inclusive birding retreats in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
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Led by local birding whiz Tiffany Kersten, featured in Texas Monthly magazine.
Free Admission to Edinburg Scenic Wetlands
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Last Saturday and Sunday of each month
- A 40-acre wetlands oasis in the heart of Edinburg where you can spot birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
- Part of the World Birding Center network.
- 714 Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg, TX 78542
King Ranch Nature Tours
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Recognized as an Internationally Important Bird Area, the King Ranch offers guided bird watching and wildlife tours through their diverse South Texas habitats where nearly 400 species of birds have been recorded.
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Home to the U.S.' largest known population of Ferruginous Pygmy-Owls.
- Locations vary by tour.
For older events, please see our Past Events page.