text: There is a whole lot of feathered fun happening on January 23rd at Quinta Mazatlan. The Center for Urban Ecology is hosting the first Hobbies in Nature session of 2021, "Begin to Birdwatch". The one-hour program invites guests into the world of birds, where they will be amazed by the beautiful colors, fascinating behaviors, and incredible diversity of birds found all around us.
  After a fun-filled introduction, guests will be introduced to the tips and tricks of birdwatching, from how to use binoculars to practicing bird identification using the 5 Keys of Bird ID.
  "One of the greatest joys of birdwatching is learning to recognize the birds around you," said urban ecologist John Brush. "It's like getting to know your neighbors."
  If birds are neighbors, then the Valley is a wonderfully diverse neighborhood; more than 515 species of birds have been documented in the four-county region, helping to make it one of the best-known birding areas in the United States.
  Come fly by Quinta Mazatlan and get birdy on Saturday, January 23, from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. for birdwatching fun. The Hobbies in Nature series is designed for adults and older youth, $5 per person. As outdoor class size is limited for health protocols, please book in advance at www.quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.
  Please follow current Covid-19 Safety Guidelines while in the Park. Quinta Mazatlán is located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen, Texas, one block south of La Plaza Mall on 10th Street. For more information, contact (956) 681-3370 and follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media.
  Photo Caption: Enjoy the wild (sometimes-wacky) birds of Quinta Mazatlan. Photo credit Quinta Mazatlan.