Evolution in an Urbanizing World
What is a lichen? Is it a plant? Is it fungus? Actually, lichen are a group of symbiotic fungi and algae! They are typically found in moist environments, growing on rocks and trees in the forest. Today's observation was found on a crosswalk sign! Do you have a photo or video of an urban species... Continue Reading →
Let's take a break this week from the urban birding realm. This week, we bring you marbled salamanders. Salamanders are usually found in wetlands, which are hard to come by inside cities. This is an awesome find! Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about a... Continue Reading →
If you enjoyed last week's urban birder observation, you'll probably get a kick out of this week's. Here we have a Peregrine Falcon just hanging out on a rusty vent! 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... Continue Reading →
Life in the City turns 2 years old today (ish)! In true 2020 fashion, we missed our own birthday, by a whole month! Thank you all for following our blog. We are very proud of how it has grown and owe a huge thank you to our amazing contributors, which have more than doubled in... Continue Reading →
Urban birders are at it again. This week, we have a group of vultures hanging out in a parking lot, doin' what birds do... 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... Continue Reading →
The wolverine (Gulo gulo, not the Marvel hero) is the largest terrestrial member of the weasel family. In the early 20th century, wolverines were nearly extirpated in the contiguous United States, but still had populations in Canada. However, since their populations are so low in the US, they have become a conservation concern. Previous... Continue Reading →
Although we need to social distance and wear masks for safety, wild animals (even domestic ones) are exempt from these during the pandemic. So a bunch of corvids get together and have a nice little party on your power lines. I'm thinking our observer may have tasted a hint of jealousy? Stay safe and healthy!... Continue Reading →
Earlier in 2020, murder wasps were a thing. Thankfully they went away, but there are a number of endemic wasps and hornets that occasionally show up in urban areas. One of these is the mud dauber, a wasp that builds is home from mud. This one decided to build its nest right next to a... Continue Reading →
As some of you may know by now, one of our co-editors/founders of this blog, Kristin Winchell, researches anoles adapting to urban areas. So of course we get excited to see anoles caught on camera in urban areas. This week's observation is a green anole on campus at Loyola University in New Orleans, captured by... Continue Reading →
Urban birders strike again! This week we bring a pair of house sparrows at a field station in Louisiana catching food for their young. 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?... Continue Reading →
The more that we build our homes up against pristine habitat, the more likely we are to encounter what we previously thought were rare species. Here is an example of a wild bobcat in Northern Phoenix on the hunt. We've seen more instances of bobcats in our urban observation posts and in our new research.... Continue Reading →
Usually urban bees are pollinating on your garden flowers or have a colony by a local beekeeper. Here we have a door jamb that was broken, then co-opted as a cozy home for a bee. Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something unusual? What about a rare plant or... Continue Reading →
This summer the International Association for Landscape Ecology - North America (IALE-NA) hosted an annual meeting that was originally scheduled to be in person in Toronto, ON, Canada, but due to Covid-19 it was hosted online. This was my first online conference and I was a chair for a special symposium: Landscape genetics as a... Continue Reading →
Pigeons are pretty common in urban areas. In fact, they are human commensals, so you are most likely to see them in the city, as opposed to other types of birds. You'll usually see them in the park where someone feeds them seeds and bread. Sometimes, you'll see them on the streets eating scraps. It... Continue Reading →
Back in the quarantine, we could go for walks or gaze out of our windows. This cardinal could be seen on a walk or out the window! The red cardinal is perched on a blooming Magnolia tree. Now that's a great sight! Do you have a photo or video of an urban species doing something... Continue Reading →
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