As we move from a city's core to its outskirts, there seems to be a shift in the kinds of flora and fauna that we can capture with our cameras. Last week we showed flowers in the city center. This week, we move to the outskirts where a photographer was able to capture this image... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Bellflowers in Munich
Last week we brought you many plants found in the streets of Zurich. Plants can find ways to flourish in cities, with just enough space in the pavement cracks to grow. This week, bellflowers have been spotted in Munich. Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: So Many Plants
Often when we see plants in the city they fall into one of two categories, weed or decorative. It is rare that we find plants that haven't been purposefully planted that aren't weeds. Here are some of the natural flora found in the city streets of Zurich. Do you have a photo or video... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Dumpster Diving Bear
As cities continue to encroach on natural landscapes, bear sightings have become more frequent. If you've ever been camping where there's bears, you know that they have to design special trash bins to keep bears out. So what do we do when they are in the city? We have to design ways to keep bears... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Beaver’s Going Places
Beavers are excellent builders. Similar to humans, they modify their environment to suit their needs, chomping down wood to build dams. Recently, this beaver was spotted at a subway station. Let's hope it didn't get lost on the subway line! Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Garden Echidna
Australia is well known for its wild animals, they are so different than what we non-Aussies are used to seeing. This week, we found an echidna in a garden! These egg-laying mammals are found everywhere in Australia, so it seems like it was a matter of time to see on in a backyard. Do you... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Pigeon Nest
Pigeons are super common in urban areas. We find them so often that it is actually rare for them to get a spot on our observation of the week. But, we couldn't resist this one. This week we bring you bird on the bed. Yes, a pigeon, which are notoriously bad at making nests, made... Continue Reading →
New Research: Early Life Experience Influences Dispersal in Coyotes (Canis latrans)
Coyotes are widespread across North America and are one of few large predators that are found in cities. If you've been following our blog, you may have seen a few pictures of coyotes in urban and residential areas. You have probably also read some great research as well, presented by our guest contributors. Because they... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Harlem Hawk
New York City is the largest city in the United States. It has concrete, sky-high buildings, insane traffic, and yet it is home to a variety of birds and birders. Today, we bring you a red-tailed hawk, identified by Jeff Ward, in the Harlem back yard of Jacqui Farmer. Do you have a photo or... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Singapore Otters
A few weeks ago, we showed you astroturf otters and Salisbury street market otters. Today, we bring you smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) running through the streets of Singapore. 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... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Owl on a Power Line
Above ground power lines seem to make a great perch for a lot of squirrels and birds. Usually, we see owls perched on trees, but today we bring you an owl on a power line. Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about a rare plant or... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Graffiti Anoles
When a wall is painted over many times, it will start to have layers peel off. These cracks in the paint apparently make a great hideout for anoles. 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... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Rat in the Engine
When your car isn't running as smoothly as it used to, you take it into the car shop to get it checked out. Most of the time, there's some component that got old and needs to be replaced. Sometimes, there's wildlife hanging out in the warmth of the engine. This bushy-tailed woodrat (Neotoma cinerea) chewed... Continue Reading →
What is an urban pest?
Earlier this week I showed you the pair of turkeys lurking in my neighbourhood. I was quite annoyed with them, they blocked my car from getting to my driveway when I really needed to get inside ASAP. These birds yelled at me after I parked, rude. I considered them a pest, a major annoyance to... Continue Reading →
Urban Observation of the Week: Street Turkeys
There have been multiple sightings of these two turkeys in my neighborhood. I was trying to get home and these two just stayed in the middle of the street, blocking my way. These turkeys are HUGE and have zero fear of my car! Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing... Continue Reading →