As per an eBird report, flamingos were being seen in Corpus Christi, Texas due to displacement by a hurricane. Then an anonymous birder reported seeing a flamingo around October 15 at the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge, however, many of us never saw that report for some reason. On Sunday, October 22, two more eBird reports from local birders (Evan and Justin) indicated that a flamingo was seen late that evening.

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Working with South Texas Border Chapter (STBC) Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) members on our chapter project at the Vannie Cook Children’s Cancer Center in McAllen has been a rewarding experience for me over the many years since we first began the project. I’ve expressed in presentations how it brought chapter members together for a common goal – the renewal and beautification of the atriums for the children who receive cancer treatment. Since our volunteer hours usually occur when the center is closed, chapter members rarely have in-person interaction with the children or staff members we serve.

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I have some Bailey’s ball moss (Tillandsia baileyi) in my backyard that I enjoy tremendously. Some were given to me by friends while others I picked up at either festivals or events and meetings that were part of both the Texas Master Naturalist program and the Native Plant Project. I have had them for several years now and am always amazed when they are in bloom. Their delicate, tiny flowers in hues of blue and violet, are always a nice surprise and joy to behold.

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