We find all sorts of flora and fauna in urban areas that don’t seem to belong there. Here is a purple gallinule (Porphyrio martinicus) that was found a bit outside of its Southern US range. These birds are usually found in marshes further south than Washington D.C., and usually not so high up as this apartment sill!
DC’s first (I think) Purple Gallinule was found today high on an M Street windowsill! #ABARare
Credit for passing the photo on (though she didn’t take it) to @TaranCatania pic.twitter.com/QGEVon4Bil
— The Birdist (@TheBirdist) January 6, 2019
Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about a rare plant or animal that you were surprised to find in a city? If so, let Lindsay know or Tweet at us and you could be featured as a future observation of the week!
I am interested in urban ecology and evolution. Urbanization can have drastic impacts on local ecosystems, both negative and positive, and creates a new environment for organisms to experience. To understand the impacts that urbanization plays on organisms, I look through the lense of population genetics and molecular evolution.
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