Most of the time we expect pigeons or other common birds to be spotted on the power lines and poles. Sometimes, we get a rare gem, the bald eagle!
Minneapolis is home to what seems to me to be an actual metric shirtpile of bald eagles. Look up! See a bird that looks the size of a dang airplane? (Not like, condor-big, but still super heckin big.) First pic from Gabbert Raptor Center, second is from WalMart parking lot pic.twitter.com/NBx1gYDo7w
— Vicky Stein (@AgentRedSquirrl) September 19, 2019
We have shown you a number of birds in these “Urban Observation” posts. This one is super majestic for sure. But sadly, many birds have been extirpated. A recent study found that free-roaming domestic cats kill billions of birds every year (obviously not the bald eagle because holy cow that is a BIRD OF PREY). If we want to keep seeing birds, in urban and natural settings, we must do better (and keep cats indoors)!
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.
- Urban Observation of the Week: Golden Jackal - July 28, 2021
- Urban Observation of the Week: Bellflowers in Munich - July 21, 2021
- Urban Observation of the Week: So Many Plants - July 14, 2021
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