By: Javier Gonzalez
Special to the PARADE
We all eagerly await that first cool northern breeze of the fall. The long summer is always peak fun, but we are left totally drained by the relentless heat. Our sizzling skin yearns for that cool relief as we drag our dehydrated, raisin-like bodies into a new season. September rain is a blessing after a scorching August. It quenches the thirst of the trees and plants in the gardens. Deep roots have their much-needed drink, but the subtropical humidity fogs the brain and lenses. The body and spirit are tired and need freshening up. Finally, the cool north breeze of October arrives and it’s like wind to one’s sails! Same goes for millions of migratory birds and thousands of migratory Monarch butterflies that utilize the northern breeze as a tail wind to quickly and efficiently travel south to their fall and wintering ranges.
The South Padre Island Birding Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary’s wetlands and native gardens are an increasingly important migratory rest stop for these tired and hungry birds and butterflies migrating along the Texas coast and October is a most beautiful time to enjoy them on site. Colorful migratory birds, flowers, and butterflies grace everywhere you turn, and the crispness of the air and the softer sunlight makes for an experience that uplifts the spirit.
In celebration of this gorgeous season on the island, the SPIBNCAS invites everyone to the annual “HalloWings Monarch Migration Celebration” on Sunday, October 26th from 11am to 5pm. The celebration is FREE to the public and will showcase a variety of local musicians, offer native plant sales, tours, and presentations, and will feature local vendors, face painting, educational crafts for kids, and sandcastle building lessons by Sandy Feet Sandcastle Services. A perfect way to enjoy the best of the fall and witness the magic of migration with the whole family!
To learn more visit spibirding.org under the events hub tab.
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