In Mississauga, ON, Canada, we have a slew of different birds that cause a nuisance. I’m sure most of you know about our geese, they are mean and will chase you down the street if you get too close. There haven’t been many pigeons in my grocery store parking lot, probably because these shorebirds are there en masse. They act just like pigeons, stalking the lot for scraps (there are a few fast food places in the lot). I captured this picture right after they mugged a pedestrian for food!
What may be surprising, this parking lot is about 10 km from the shore of Lake Ontario, so slightly unexpected to see these birds here, at least from a desert dweller like myself.
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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