Evolution in an Urbanizing World
Pigeons are one of the most common, iconic birds we see in cities. Did you know that pigeons are prey for larger, predatory birds? We like Red-tailed hawks so much they've been featured as our urban observation multiple times. Here, we see a New York City red-tailed hawk that caught a pigeon for lunch. Do... Continue Reading →
Last week we brought you otters on astroturf. This week, otters popped up in a market in Salisbury. 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... Continue Reading →
We usually see wild otters in the rivers (even in urban areas), but they do spend some time on land. David Tan spotted these smooth-coated otters on the astroturf of a football field. Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about a rare plant or animal that... Continue Reading →
Back in the summer time, people water their lawns for that fresh green grass look. This added water can attract lots of different animals as we saw with this frog. This week, we bring you a bird of prey enjoying the good life in the water spray. Do you have a photo or video of... Continue Reading →
Happy New Year everyone! With 2020 behind us, let's get ready for a fresh new year. Here's a preview of what our blog has in store. Urban Observations Yep. We will continue to bring you weekly urban observations. We think that it is an important aspect of urban evolution research. In fact, the step in... Continue Reading →
Happy Holidays everyone! Tis the holiday season so we are taking time off to enjoy the holidays virtually with family and friends. We will see you all next year, 2021!!!
Lizards are becoming increasingly common in urban areas. They are able to forage longer than usual because of the urban heat island effect. Today's observation is a lizard still out and about, back in late October, when they should have already wrapped up the season! Do you have a photo or video of an urban... Continue Reading →
The internet loves cats. We see posts frequently of cats basking in the sunlight, sleeping on anything in the house, even if it doesn't look comfortable. This week, we bring you a cougar chilling on someone's car! Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about a rare... Continue Reading →
A recent paper in Scientific Reports, "Of city and village mice" by Dammhahn et al (2020), investigated the behavioral responses of striped field mice (Apodemus agrarius) to urbanization. The ability for an animal to adjust their behavior to a novel environment can contribute to survival in urban habitats, with the possibility of local adaptation to... Continue Reading →
When large predators roam the city streets, we need to be careful. Since we are taking over their natural habitat, leopards have moved their hunt into the city. Unfortunately, this means that their prey can be our beloved pets. This week we have a leopard on the hunt for a dog, leaping over the fence... Continue Reading →
We usually get our urban birders to spot birds while they are out and about in the city. This week, we have the nest at Duke University, while the bird is off in the city. The nest may be abandoned since there is an egg spotted inside. Do you have a photo or video of... Continue Reading →
Amphibians can be really great "indicator species" that, if they are present and healthy, then the ecosystem is doing ok. Some amphibians though are really great generalists and can tolerate a range of ecosystem changes. This week, we see a two-lined salamander chomping on the bugs that the porch lights attract. Do you have a... Continue Reading →
Elephants have become a metropolitan species in several countries. Some are domesticated work animals, while others others pass through the city looking for food. Today's observation is brought to us by Alfons Lopez Tena, a sad reality of elephants foraging in a dump. Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing... Continue Reading →
As urban centers continue to grow, so too does the research that investigates how urbanization influences evolution. However, urban marine ecosystems are often overlooked. Interestingly, population density along coastlines is 3-times higher than the global average but research in urban marine systems is more than 3-times lower than research inland. Researchers identified the main... Continue Reading →
The birders are back! This time, we see a Black-throated Green Warbler on the street. These birds are seen in the Northern American forests in the warm months and fly south for the winter months. This little bird is probably a tourist on the street on its migration south! Do you have a photo or... Continue Reading →
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