Video: Finale of Fowl Fight in Arnold Arboretum

It wasn't quite the Sharks and the Jets, or any other well-known rivalry, but it was two gaggles pecking it out at the Arnold Arboretum the other day. This video shows the aftermath of much of the pecking. It's got a lot of chasing of several gobblers (a male turkey) and maybe some jakes (juvenile males) got involved, too. We can't confirm what truly happened because no turkey wanted to talk. Just gobble.

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Gorillas Adjusting to New Gorilla Grove at Franklin Park Zoo

After many years of not being able to go outside, the gorillas of Franklin Park Zoo now have access to the outdoors thanks to the brand new Gorilla Grove, which opened in April. The gorillas have access to Gorilla Grove daily, starting between 9 and 10 am. But some visitors have noted they haven't seen the gorillas inside or outside. That's because gorillas may choose to spend time in an indoor area, not visible to the public, while they get used to their new home, said a statement from Zoo New England. "When first introduced to Gorilla Grove, some members of the troop, including Little Joe and Aziza, acclimated to the new space right away, while it took some of the others longer to get used to the space, which is quite different from their indoor habitat," said Zoo New England.

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The Arnold Arboretum’s Feeding Curiosity About Birds

The Arnold Arboretum’s collections provide year round sustenance and habitat for a host of wildlife, including many bird species. The Arnold Arboretum's Public Programs department complements these natural resources by adding winter bird feeders. Visiting birds and birders alike have long enjoyed the feeding station at the Hunnewell Visitor Center. However, two new stations now feature in the landscape. Look for one atop Bussey Hill and the second along Conifer Path.

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Boston’s Most Popular Dog Names; Dog Licensing Deadline is March 31

The most popular dog name in Boston for 2021 was Luna. Residents registered 112 Lunas. That reminds us, Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Animal Care and Control Division would like city dog owners to know that the annual deadline for licensing their pets is March 31. All dogs in Boston require a new license each year. “Not only is licensing your pet the law, but a license is your pet’s ID and provides their fastest ticket home if they become lost,” said Animal Care and Control Director Alexis Trzcinski via press release.

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Photos: Birds! Birds! Birds! In The Arnold Arboretum

Blue jays, cardinals, hawks and chickadees -- oh my! The Arnold Arboretum is always atwitter with fine feathered friends. Check out these fantastic  photos by Chris Lang at the Arnold Arboretum. Click here to see more photos or purchase images by Chris Lang Photography.

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Get Your Costumes Ready: Canine Costume Parade on Oct. 30 + Cornhole Tourney

Calling all doggie dinosaurs, puppy pirates and woofing wallabies -- the 17th Annual Dog Parade Costume & Fashion Show is on October 30. The costume parade is organized by JP Centre/South Main Streets, and this year they're hosting the first (and hopefully annual) cornhole tournament on the same day. For the Canine Costume Parade participants need to register in-person at the First Baptist Church (633 Centre St.) between noon and 12:30 pm on Saturday, Oct. 30. There is a $10 registration fee to enter the costume contest to be eligible for prizes, and 100% of registration fees will benefit the City of Boston Animal Shelter.

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Videos: Check Out This Crazy Cool Caterpillar Seen in Jamaica Plain

Check out the "antennae" on this crazy cool looking caterpillar scene on the Southwest Corridor! This sycamore tussock moth caterpillar was seen on the Southwest Corridor by Jamaica Plain resident Jenny Nathans on August 7. Don't worry they're native to Canada, the northeast, and down to Mexico. You'll notice the caterpillars have yellow-orange heads and bodies covered with hair, and they can grow to approximately 25–35 mm in length, according to wikipedia. The larvae (caterpillar) have two pairs of long, orange hair-pencils and two pairs of white hair-pencils towards the front of their body, which can be seen in the videos..

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Should The First Church’s Burying Ground Be Used As A Dog Park? It Is Now

Neighbors of the historical First Church on Eliot Street use the burying ground as a dog park, which they're allowed to do by the church. But some neighbors aren't happy about the cemetery being used as a dog park. So there will be a public meeting to discuss the matter on July 29th. Currently dogs are allowed in the burying ground. There is a posted sign stating that visitors must be respectful of the cemetery, and be careful around the fragile gravestones.

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Check Out This Smoky Grey Turkey

Many of us have seen wild turkeys roam around Jamaica Plain. But how many of us have seen a smoky grey turkey? Recently, Rosetta Martini has seen a flock of turkeys by her home in the Forest Hills area, and one poult (a baby turkey) has a distinctive look to it -- smoky grey. According to Audubon.org, turkeys come in five different colors. The commonly seen color is chestnut.

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