New World sparrows (bird species in the family Emberizidae) can often be difficult to identify. The distinguishing features on these small, brown birds can be difficult to notice, and many of these birds don’t stay still long enough for you to get a good look at them with binoculars.

To see how urbanization has affected Lincoln Park’s birds, zoo scientists are doing daily counts to compare today’s species with those surveyed more than 100 years ago. In his latest post, President and CEO Kevin Bell shares their latest findings, including sightings at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo.

It’s been almost three years since the creation of Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park. The native plant community has become well established, creating natural habitat for many different species right here in the heart of Chicago.

Many bird species are adapted to urban environments. Pigeons, house sparrows and robins exploit niches within urban ecosystems and are more abundant because of it. In some aspects of life these urban adapters may be a bit of an irritation—leaving droppings on your freshly cleaned car or nesting near the window next to your bedroom.

A frosty update from Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo—yesterday’s survey turned up these raccoon tracks on the ice. Things have slowed down for the season, but there’s still activity to spot out here!