• Urban Observation of the Week: Otters on Astroturf

    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…

  • 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…

  • New Year, Same Blog!

    New Year, Same Blog!

    Happy New Year everyone! With 2020 behind us, let’s get ready for a fresh new year. Here’s a preview of what our blog has in store. Urban Observations Yep. We will continue to bring you weekly urban observations. We think…

  • Incorporating Human Society into Urban Ecology

    Incorporating Human Society into Urban Ecology

    Urban habitats and landscapes are considerably different from their rural and natural counterparts. Rural and natural habitats experience diluted human effects (e.g., disturbance, low pollution), while urban areas and urban wildlife endure more significant impacts from humans. When we think…

  • Happy Holidays!

    Happy Holidays!

    Happy Holidays everyone! Tis the holiday season so we are taking time off to enjoy the holidays virtually with family and friends.   We will see you all next year, 2021!!!

  • Urban Observation of the Week: Wall Lizards in NYC

    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…

  • Genomic Analysis Highlights Cognition in Urban Burrowing Owls

    Genomic Analysis Highlights Cognition in Urban Burrowing Owls

    What makes a bird successful in the city? Jakob Mueller and colleagues first attempted to answer this question in blackbirds, finding genomic signatures of selection in the SERT gene associated with harm avoidance. Now, building on only a handful of…

  • Urban Observation of the Week: Cougar on a Car

    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…