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, April 4, 2026
Guided Bird Walk at Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center | Edinburg, TX | 8:30–10:30 a.m.
We're so excited to return to Edinburg Scenic Wetlands for a guided bird walk with the Interpretative Naturalist, Will Farley! Whether you've been here before or it's your first visit, come join us.
- Park Entry: 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 us at north overlook just outside the main building.
- 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: 714 S Raul Longoria Rd, Edinburg, TX 78542
Then in the afternoon, join us back in our McAllen store for a great FREE nature talk at 2 p.m.—details below.
About Our Guide
William Farley is the Interpretive Naturalist for the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. He grew up camping and fishing in the Rio Grande Valley and fell in love with the very special ecosystem we have here. He went to Texas A&M University Kingsville, where he got his Bachelor's of Science in Range and Wildlife Management and developed a passion for all things avian. Currently, he dedicates his time to trying to inspire people—young or grown, local or visiting—about how special our Valley home truly is.
NATURE TALK
Saturday, April 4
"Rio Grande Valley Ecology and Importance: Native Plants, Wildlife, and the Web of Life in the RGV" | In-Store | 2–3 pm.
After our morning FREE GUIDED BIRD WALK at the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands (details above), meet back in our store for a FREE TALK!
Join us for a fascinating talk on the unique characteristics of the Rio Grande Valley ecosystem and the vital role native plants play in supporting local and migratory wildlife. Learn how these plants are uniquely adapted to thrive in our environment and why they are so important to the birds, pollinators, and other species that depend on them. This talk will offer a deeper appreciation for the connections that make the RGV such a remarkable place!
ABOUT OUR EXPERT SPEAKER
William Farley is the Interpretive Naturalist for the Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and World Birding Center. He grew up camping and fishing in the Rio Grande Valley and fell in love with the very special ecosystem we have here. He went to Texas A&M University Kingsville, where he got his Bachelor's of Science in Range and Wildlife Management and developed a passion for all things avian. Currently, he dedicates his time to trying to inspire people—young or grown, local or visiting—about how special our Valley home truly is.
COMMUNITY EVENT
April 8–11
Spring Chirp Birding Festival | Weslaco
We're super excited to be part of Weslaco's fabulous Spring Chirp Birding Festival this year, hosted by the Valley Nature Center! There'll be field trips and other educational activities for beginners to experts, and even special access to private properties.
WBU McAllen staff will be:
- Leading bird walks on the 9th, 10th, and 11th.
- Giving a keynote talk on Friday, April 10th.
Hope to see you there! See the website for registration and cost details.
COMMUNITY EVENT
April 11–12
Brownsville Birding Festival
We're also super excited to be part of the Brownsville Birding Festival! There'll be bird tours, workshops, vendors, and fun for the whole family! See the website for tickets and costs.
April 11th: Please come to our "Birdfeeding Basics" talk at 11 a.m., or stop by our booth.
April 12th, 7–11:30 a.m.: We'll be leading the "Wings & Wildflowers" Field Trip. Description:
Join us as we step into one of the most iconic and ecologically rich landscapes in the Rio Grande Valley at Sabal Palm Sanctuary. Home to the last native stand of Sabal palms in Texas, this historic preserve offers exceptional birding along shaded trails, resaca edges, and subtropical forest habitat. Birders may encounter Green Jays, Plain Chachalacas, Groove-billed Anis, and a wide array of migratory songbirds that depend on this rare ecosystem. This guided outing blends natural history and birding, giving participants a deeper appreciation for the unique habitats that make Brownsville a world-class birding destination.
See the website for the full itinerary, registration, and other details. Hope to see you there!
COMMUNITY EVENT
April 24–27
City Nature Challenge | Lower Rio Grande Valley Metro Area
Are you ready to help the Valley WIN the City Nature Challenge this year?! Join the Rio Grande Valley World Birding Centers, the South Texas Border Chapter Texas Master Naturalists, and many others to ID wildlife for science and some good-natured competitiveness between cities.
Everyone can take part—it's easy AND fun!
- Look for a WILD plant, bird, or other animal anywhere in the Lower Rio Grande Valley metro area—even your backyard.
- Take a photo.
- Upload to the free iNaturalist app. Or use the app to take the photo and ID what you're seeing!
Learn more:
TASTING
Saturday, April 25
Native Herbal Teas, Mesquite Bread & Native Plants | In-Store | 12–4 p.m.
Come and taste what our resilient native plants have to offer! Join John and Stephanie from Prickly Pair RGV for a native herbal tea and mesquite bread tasting.
Plus, check out a selection of native plants they carry! This is the perfect opportunity to learn how they inspire and equip people to "Build Soil. Save Water. Feed People."
ABOUT OUR EXPERTS
Prickly Pair RGV is passionate about water-smart landscapes that are sustainable and productive for people and wildlife and wants to help make thriving outdoor spaces more accessible for homeowners and land managers in the Rio Grande Valley! John has been observing and appreciating natural ecosystems in the Valley since childhood and brings a deep understanding of native plants and their roles in urban landscapes. Stephanie brings a decade of experience in sustainable agriculture and a passion for wild and domestic food producing plants in urban landscapes. Together, they make up the friendliest prickly pair you’ll ever meet and would love to help you bring your sustainable landscaping dreams to life.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
April 14, 16, 18 & 25
Earth Day Celebrations | Rio Grande Valley
We'll be at these FUN Earth Day celebrations around the Valley—hope to see you there! See the organizers' social media and websites for details.
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.