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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Red Tailed Hawk in NYC
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Otters on Astroturf
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Bird of Spray
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Wall Lizards in NYC
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Cougar on a Car
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Flying Leopard
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Duke Nest
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Scaling Salamander
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Trash Elephants
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Warbler on the Road
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Stop Sign Lichens
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Tough Urban Salamanders
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Falcons Venting
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 →
Urban Observation of the Week: Parking Lot Vultures
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 →