As the Gottlieb Native Garden’s naturalist, Scott Logan documents the ever-changing array of wildlife species as they vary with the garden’s blooms, seasons and migratory patterns. While bringing these observations to life for all to experience, he also coordinates scientific research projects, and monitors the overall health and biodiversity of the garden. The Naturalist’s Journal also highlights the work the Gottliebs and Scott are doing to educate and inspire people to start gardening for wildlife with native plants.
Singing in the Rain
This male Townsend’s Warbler thought taking a bath during a brief rain shower today was a great idea. So pleased was he that many soft warbler chips were sung during his late morning rinse. Townsend’s Warbler’s breed in the moist forests of the Pacific Northwest […]
Common Raven Rave!
When outside, be sure to look everywhere for life, including up. This unusual congregation of Common Ravens was a special moment for us. Unlike American Crows, ravens are not a corvid that normally congregates in large social groups. This overhead party was quite unusual. Usually, ravens […]
New Butterfly Species for the GNG
A butterfly not yet seen in the GNG was found today, a Western Pygmy-Blue. This beauty is the smallest butterfly found in the United States and one of the smallest butterflies in the world – its wingspread scarcely makes half an inch! Although fairly common […]
Milkweed Bug
Milkweed plants are host to more than just Monarch larvae. Many types of insects make their living on milkweed, including the beautiful Large Milkweed Bug. You should not be alarmed by the appearance of these “true bugs”, as they are a sure sign of a […]
A Garden Full of Monarchs
The bounty of Monarch larvae in the GNG formed their chrysalis’s weeks ago and nearly all have finished emerging as adult butterflies. The garden is now full of adult Monarchs, but it didn’t come without some drama. The majority of larvae and chrysalis stayed healthy […]
Only Striped Skunks
For the past few weeks there has been construction in the east end of the garden. As a result, only one nocturnal mammal species has been caught on camera lately – Striped Skunk. Apparently, they are okay with chaos, although the skunk in the bottom […]
Night Falls on the Garden
The transition between daylight and darkness is a magical time to be in the GNG. Here a well-camouflaged Great Horned Owl lurks in the shadows, getting in a few more winks before a night of hunting begins.
Frustrated Cooper’s Hawk
This young Cooper’s Hawk seems to know that these Mourning Doves are out of its reach, although he or she is still thinking about it. A Cooper’s Hawk’s hunting strategy relies solely on surprise. If the prey has noticed the hawk before the assault, odds […]
Monarch Chrysalises
Early morning sun shines on Monarch chrysalises, giving them the radiance of green jewels…
Hungry Horde is Welcome in the GNG
From the moment a Monarch caterpillar emerges from its egg, it is an eating machine (even consuming its empty egg shell!). Once a Monarch caterpillar has finished eating one leaf it moves to the next, and then the next, and then the next, until they […]