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.
Final Hooded Orioles Have Departed
No orioles have been seen in the Gottlieb Native Garden for over two weeks now, so it seems that the last Bullock’s and Hooded Orioles have departed for Western Mexico. Good luck and godspeed – see you in March of 2016!
Another Interesting Use for UV Light
Scorpions keep themselves well hidden during the daylight hours, but at night they leave their lairs to hunt small ground-dwelling arthropods. Late in the summer they are very active and can be found quite easily. When exposed to ultraviolet light (we use a hand-held flashlight […]
Nighttime Ultraviolet Light Trap
A both fun and interesting way to observe insects at night is to set-up a UV light trap. The type of trap we set-up from time to time consists of a 4′ UV spectrum fluorescent tube with a thin white sheet draped over it. This […]
Many, Many Monarch Caterpillars
Monarch butterflies have been present in the GNG all spring and summer, but during this time very few larvae have been seen – until now. Over 75 caterpillars are currently munching away on nearly every milkweed plant in the garden! Like so many gardens in […]
Huge Moth Pays the Garden a Visit!
The GNG had a brief visit today by a conspicuous moth with an interesting name, the Black Witch. With a wing span of up to 6 inches, it the largest moth found north of Mexico. For the most part, it doesn’t breed here in California […]
102° in the Shade
We have been experiencing extreme temptures lately and the shallow fountain has been very popular with all the birds in the GNG! These two videos are interesting in that different species of birds choose to have bathing parties together. The first clip is mostly House […]
Jumping Spider
An agile hunter prowls the GNG – the jumping spider. With their exceptional vision and pinpoint jumping ability, this family of spiders is extremely successful, being represented by almost 5000 species! They will both lay in wait and stalk prey with the capability to take […]
Wasps are Capable Hunters
Animal species that hunt in the GNG come in many shapes and sizes. Yellow Jackets are one of these hunters and have the ability to capture fast moving insects like this Green Bottle Fly. The wasp will not be dining on the fly though (adults […]
Green Lynx Spider
Fittingly named for their bright green body and capability of running, then jumping on prey, the Green Lynx Spider can be one of the more aggressive hunters in the GNG. Their fierce looks and size can be intimating to an observer and females have the […]
Nectar Time!
This 30-second video compresses 5 minutes of hummingbirds enjoying their mid-morning nectar. Allen’s Hummingbirds, Anna’s Hummingbirds and Black-chinned Hummingbirds are all represented, along with a quick visit from a female Hooded Oriole. It is simply untrue that giving sugar water to hummingbirds is harmful to […]