Center for Urban Ecology, Quinta Mazatlan
Every spring and summer, nature centers and wildlife refuges receive countless phone calls asking the same question: What do I do with the baby bird I found?
The most important thing to do is be patient and assess the situation. The unfortunate truth is that many baby birds are inadvertently kidnapped from their parents simply because a concerned person sprang into action too quickly, thinking they were coming to the rescue. Before taking any action, there are two questions to answer: Is the bird hurt? How old is the bird?
Read more: What to do if you find a baby bird
By Colleen Hook, Executive Director at Quinta Mazatlan
The mornings in the Thornforest now belong to the White-winged Doves cooing “Who cooks for YOU…Who cooks for YOU”. Breeding season has begun for this dove and will continue through summer. The male and female construct their platform nest of loose twigs. In the Rio Grande Valley they prefer ebony, mesquite and prickly pear habitat. The female usually lays 2 smooth off-white, one inch oval eggs, and both parents incubate the eggs. Both parents also care for and feed the young, which are called “squabs’. Unlike most other birds, doves of both sexes produce a “crop milk” as a food source for their squabs. White-winged Doves are nearly 100% vegetarian.
Read more: The Not So Lonesome Dove
Edinburg, TX –– When COVID-19 affected the area, DHR Health immediately anticipated the needs of the community and developed a Physician Task Force Team, a team of physicians working together to promote the safety of patients, staff, and visitors during this pandemic. As DHR Health remains open, a Serious Infection Disease Unit (SIDU) and an Emergency Room Extension have been created to prevent disease spread within the hospital and clinics.
“The Physician Task Force is in charge of reviewing and presenting the most current literature about COVID-19 treatment on a daily basis,” states Carlos Garcia-Cantu, MD, Chief of Staff at DHR Health. “This is extremely important for us since guidelines are continuously changing.”
Read more: DHR Health creates SIDU and Emergency Room Extension to keep patients safe
BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS (June 4, 2020) — The day is finally here, and we’re excited to welcome everyone back to the Gladys Porter Zoo. The animals anticipate your visit!
We have been preparing for a soft opening in the past weeks, and the Zoo has established a comprehensive reopening plan. With the helpful advice of City health officials, new measures have been put in place to help ensure the safety of the Zoo’s guests, employees, and animals. Most notably, there will be a change in the ticketing system. Guests will now sign up for a designated date and time slot to enter the Zoo.
Read more: Gladys Porter Zoo Reopens Its Doors
LA GRANGE, TEXAS – June 1, 2020 – The Texas Quilt Museum has announced that it will reopen for visitors beginning Thursday, June 4, at 10 am.
The three exhibits for spring—which had just debuted when the Museum had to close in mid-March due to the worldwide pandemic and state’s orders—have been extended until September 20. They include “Texas Grand Masters: Timeless Quilts,” “Fun with Fractals and Other Mathematical Quilts,” and “My Mexico by Quilters de México.”
Read more: The Texas Quilt Museum will reopen June 4
The International Museum of Art & Science values each and every member and appreciates the continued support of our community. The IMAS staff is making plans to reopen to the public on Wednesday, June 11 with a member preview on Tuesday, June 9, from 3:00-7:00 PM.
As we reopen at the 25% limited capacity, following the recommendations of the Texas Department of State Health Service (DSHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are doing our best to provide you and your family a safe and educational environment during the pandemic time of the COVID-19. Most of our interactive areas are still closed or have been modified for the safety of our visitors and staff and to prevent the spread of the virus.
Read more: IMAS to Reopen at Limited Capacity
by Melinda Myers
Don’t let the buzz of mosquitoes keep you indoors. Most mosquitoes are a nuisance, causing rashes and itching but some species can transmit diseases that can make you sick. Understanding how they breed and spread disease can help you gain the upper hand in the battle against these pesky insects.
Mosquitoes serve as a carrier (vector) in the spread of certain diseases. It starts when they feed on an animal infected with heartworms or an animal or person with West Nile, Saint Louis Encephalitis, Zika or other mosquito-vectored disease. The young heartworm or virus is taken in with the mosquito’s blood meal. The heartworm larvae or virus is then transmitted to other organisms when the mosquito feeds on them.
Read more: Manage Mosquitoes for a Safer and More Enjoyable Summer
The McAllen Parks & Recreation Department has published the new Summer 2020 Activity Guide. The programs featured are in a weekly summer camp format at each of the three City of McAllen Community Centers- Lark, PalmView, and Las Palmas.
Read more: McAllen Parks & Recreation Opens Summer 2020 Program Registration
By Colleen Curran Hook, Executive Director at Quinta Mazatlan
Along with our friendly pride, we have various symbols that officially represent Texas. Today we are recognizing our native shrub, the Texas Purple Sage. When it rains in the Valley, you will notice this shrub as the purple flowers dominate the plant. The old timers in Texas called it the Barometer Bush as it has a habit of blooming right before a good rain. The native plant has been featured in many a Texas Tile like the famous western novel, “Riders of the Purple Sage”.
Read more: Texas Garden Icon-The Purple Sage
By Quinta Mazatlán
This summer, Quinta Mazatlán offers Thursday Nature Nights for kids and families. Join us every Thursday evening for new outdoor educational learning and nature discovery on the trails. Thanks to Freels Orthodontics, the outdoor summer series features great educational entertainment for Valley families.
Read more: Songfest Under the Old Oak Thursday Evening in the Park
by Melinda Myers
By Colleen Curran Hook, Executive Director of Quinta Mazatlan
By Melinda Myers
