Evolution in an Urbanizing World
Did you know that it has been estimated that the anthropogenic mass, representing all human-made objects, would exceed the living biomass in 2020 ± 6 years? Each year, humans accumulate 30 Gigatons of anthropogenic mass, based on the averages of the last 5 years. The article that made these estimations even mentions that “this corresponds... Continue Reading →
Knotted willows characterise many Dutch landscapes, where they are often seen in a row along creeks that have existed for decades. These willows are pruned every few years, which causes the characteristic wide “knot” at the treetop to form over time. Complex shapes can form due to this pruning, and it is quite common to... Continue Reading →
Sadly, plastics and litter have become part of the urban and often rural environment. It can be found almost everywhere and in any form – ranging from plastic bags to broken traffic cones. We consider it trash, however, for some birds, it is a jackpot. Often, litter is creatively included during nest building by these... Continue Reading →
Plenty of rooftops with few neighbours occupied by young breeding Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus michahellis): does this occur at the expense of their health condition? Joana Pais De Faria, Vitor H. Paiva, Sara N. Veríssimo, Catarina S. Lopes, Rita Soares, João Oliveira, Ivo dos Santos, Ana C. Norte, Jaime A. Ramos Abstract Gull populations, as largely... 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 →
Raptors are making a comeback in cities around the world, thanks to the discontinuation of DDT. We've highlighted raptors including Red-tailed Hawks and Peregrine Falcons previously in our Urban Observation of the Week. Within cities, pigeon and rat populations provide ample food and researchers in many cities are investigating what resources and landscape variables dictate... Continue Reading →
Spring is in the air and birds are nesting... Sometimes on your car?!?
One thing I always wonder when I see birds flying around cities is "where are they nesting???" Fortunately, the Audubon Society has an answer for that question - many birds nest in and on buildings and other anthropogenic structures. For example: Chimney swifts nest inside of chimneys Cliff swallows build mud nests on the sides... Continue Reading →
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