Evolution in an Urbanizing World
The European Starling Sturnus vulgaris Ever had such a fondness for an author, that you wanted to recreate what they wrote, in real life? That’s exactly what Eugene Schieffelin did with the European Starling in Central Park, NYC, when he decided to introduce as many of the birds mentioned in Shakespeare’s works to North America... Continue Reading →
Monk parakeets Myiopsitta monachus Sometimes referred to as the Quaker parrot due to their quaking vocalizations, the monk parakeet is a small, green parrot with grey breast and head feathers accented with blue feathers on their primaries. In addition to their unique color, these birds can often be picked out by their noisy/screechy vocalizations.... Continue Reading →
This new feature on the blog will focus on urban introduced species across the globe, giving brief histories of where they came from, how they got where they are now & more on their ecology and evolution. The Gold Dust Day Gecko Phelsuma laticauda Best known for the starring role as the “Geico” gecko, the... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Of all the places you'd think you might see a moose, strolling through a university campus is probably not high on that list. University of Connecticut students were recently treated to a sighting of one of their wildlife neighbors — a friendly moose taking a walk — as reported by the local news. https://twitter.com/wfsbnews/status/1391735978482675713?s=21 Do... Continue Reading →
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 →
Where do urban coyotes den? Turns out under a building is a pretty okay spot, at least this coyote thought so! Our urban observation of the week comes from Travis Ryan, who not only spotted this coyote poking it's head out from it's den, but also caught the adorable pups emerging! https://twitter.com/IndyWildWatch/status/1386702253273329667?s=20 https://twitter.com/IndyWildWatch/status/1389933915402604553?s=20 Do... Continue Reading →
Many birds nest in and around human-made structures, taking advantage of windowsills, air vents, rooftops, and just about anywhere that looks like a cozy and safe spot. Previously, we've highlighted birds nesting in some strange locations: rooftops, building nooks, and even cars! Add to the list: the underside of decks. Our urban observation of the... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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