There is much we can learn from the ocean,
as we have a similar inner landscape within us. Both cities and tightly packed suburbs
offer wildlife bountiful nooks and crannies in which to hide, which can make
it difficult to spot the animals that live in our midst. Many animals thrive
among paved streets, sidewalks, buildings, parking lots, and high-rises.
There are animals in abundance burrowing in the soil of center medians and
tiny backyard gardens, making nests in the trees that line broad and busy
avenues, and buzzing around the flowers that beautify our parks. To find
these creatures, we only need to stop, look, and listen. Nature’s drama is
continually playing out on the window ledges where weary birds stop to roost,
in the shadowy places where cautious nocturnal mammals wait for night’s
mantle to fall, and in the fountains where playful waterfowl splash and
frolic. When we observe the animals that share our habitat, we become a part
of their beautiful, complex, and exciting world. Season by season, cities offer diverse
ecosystems for you to explore. If your search for urban and suburban wildlife
is challenging, try to look at your community with an animal’s eyes. Where
there are shrubs and flowers, insects such as butterflies, ladybugs, beetles,
and spiders can usually be found. The insects, in turn, attract the birds
that feast upon them. Even the smallest green spaces are hosts to squirrels,
rabbits, chipmunks, and moles. Decorative awnings offer falcons a place to
raise their young. At night, a different community of animals awakens to the
world. Raccoons, skunks, and possums emerge to examine our human leftovers.
Even our pets feel the call of the wild. It’s not uncommon for well-fed cats
in colorful collars to stalk the streets in search of prey. Signs of
habitation, like nests or hives, and audible evidence, like chirps, will help
you find them. Recognizing that you share your city with a
wide range of animals can make you feel like a part of the grand circle of
life and help you appreciate the importance of a healthy urban environment.
You can admire the hardiness and adaptability of the urban animal while
developing a sense of stewardship that inspires you to become their champion.
The shrill calls of birds, the hum of bees, and the sweet squeaks of
city-dwelling mammals can be a symphony that helps you develop a deeper
connection with the natural world. |
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