Category: Urban Life

On early summer mornings at the local botanical garden, you can find all sorts of fine flowers and flying friends. Here’s a lovely pair I spotted last Saturday.

This fine specimen of Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) is a little south of its native range, but the species is a popular choice in urban landscapes throughout the United States because of its fast growth, endurance in tough conditions, and year-round greenery. Hey, it’s better than another crape myrtle.

I spent 6 hours yesterday lying on a bench in Piedmont Park, overlooking Lake Clara Meer. The water was full of honking geese, but I was disappointed by the lack of turtles.

I thought about my visit to Prospect Park last July, when I spotted this log full of painted turtles (Chrysemys picta) catching flies. New York, how I miss you.

It was a freezing day in Philly when I snapped this pic of a pigeon shivering on a fire hydrant — I believe it was on 15th Street in Center City, across from City Hall.

Snow was on the way, and the winter wind whipping between the buildings packed a nasty bite. I hope the bird is enjoying the warmer weather.