We know the diversity of wildlife in our neighborhood can't be compared to that found in the natural desert, but it does do fairly well when equated to surrounding neighborhoods. This we should be proud of. It gives us a sense of belonging to the Sonoran Desert in which we make our home. It's also exciting to watch the wildlife...the quail with their little top-not that bobs as they scatter...the hummingbirds and their high pitched chirp fluttering from flower to flower...the stately Northern cardinal calling to its mate...There are some good reasons the wildlife likes our neighborhood. We have many mature trees, both tall exotics and the natives of shorter stature. Both are extremely important for nesting and cover.
There are quite a few yards that maintain a native landscape; lawn is sparse.Lower growing shrubs are extremely useful to ground loving wildlife like the quail, rabbits, and lizards. They use it to escape predators and even nest.
Thanks to places like the Arizona Inn and other neighborhood stewards, we have some remnant patches of the old creosote flats that once occupied this area. I believe these are one of the main reasons that so much wildlife exists here.
We are fortunate to share our neighborhood with this wildlife, but it should not be taken for granted. As our old trees begin to die and other vegetation reaches the end of its lifespan, it is important that we replace these, especially with natives.
And while we are doing good, there is always room for improvement. Many bare patches exist. There are swaths of gravel where there could be cover for lizards...there are non-native African Sumac where native mesquites could thrive. We have the ability to make this neighborhood even better...for us and wildlife.
I'd like to hear about your experience with urban wildlife. What's your favorite or the most interesting wildlife you have seen in our neighborhood?
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2 comments:
I saw a large owl in my backyard one evening near Elm and Bentley. Sometimes I see coyotes closer to Speedway. Also hawks are fairly common between Elm and Speedway, Tucson and CC.
Thanks for the add. My hometown is in New Jersey so you don't see much wildlife, just squirrels, bluejays, robins, and a few other birds. I really enjoy the deer that pass by every so often. I think they are very beautiful and I love how free they are to just roam around. It does make me sad knowing that we have taken their territory. NJ is the most densely populated state, but it still has a good amount of nature. Its just isolated. I suggest you look up the pine barrens if you are interested in nature in NJ.
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