Evolution in an Urbanizing World
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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