Flying Through McKinney is a Phase 3 episode of North Texas Explorer that focuses on events and attractions in the city of McKinney, TX. The episode's framing sequence took place at the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary and featured the museum heavily. It began with a look at their Birds of Prey Festival. Matthew Schweitzer from the rescue group Last Chance Forever was interviewed with a bay-winged hawk and and the group's educational program on birds was featured.
After the first break, the Prison Bars and Grill restaurant in downtown McKinney was featured. Allen Walker, the proprietor of Prison Bars & Grill Restaurant of the establishment was interviewed and relayed information about the historic building's past as well as its transformation into a restaurant. Next, there was a segment on Third Monday Trade Days. Information about the historic flea market was delivered by owner Darrell Lewis and Devin browsed the various vendors.
Back at the Heard, the Raptor Rehabilitation Center was the focus of the next segment. Erich Neupert from the Heard was interviewed and talked about the different ways they help sick and injured birds with the goal of returning them back to the wild. Neupert showed off owl pellets that could be used to understand a bird's diet.
The next segment focused on the Bolin Wildlife and Antique Museum. Perry Bolin spoke about the museum which was made up of many trophies from his father's big game hunts. Mounted and stuffed animals from all over the world were on display in wildlife section of the museum. In the history section, an old gas station and storefront was recreated and a collection of restored antique cars were could be seen.
Returning to the Heard, Devin toured the Geology Room and and explained several specimens that were on display. Then a trip was taken to the downtown McKinney square for the annual Ice Cream Crank-Off celebration. Clyde Geer explained the event and its historic origins while Devin sampled many of the homemade flavors.