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.
Many, Many Goldfinches
For unknown reasons, you never really know when Lesser Goldfinches will bless you with their presence at your birdfeeder. For whatever reason, they’re loving Nyjer now! Lesser Goldfinches – Spinus psaltria
Happy Halloween Nature Lovers!
Annoying Mosquitoes
While this California Scrub-Jay was preening to look its best for the other many scrub-jays in the yard, a mosquito decided to take advantage and have a meal. Bloodmeals are important to female mosquitoes as they need lots of protein to produce eggs. This is […]
Red-tail Hawk Washes-up!
We captured some fun images of a hawk having a good splash in the deep-end of our lower pond. When the bird was finished, it must have been the cleanest juvenile Red-tailed Hawk in Beverly Hills! Hit the play button on the image below. Red-tailed […]
Late-in-the-Season dragonflies
The garden is full of many dragonflies and damselflies using every water feature for possible late-season breeding. From a well positioned sentry, this male Flame Skimmer has made claim to the upper water feature, driving away any male intruders from his territory! Male Flame Skimmer […]
As Fall Arrives, Monarch larvae Become Plentiful
Now that Fall has arrived in Los Angeles, Monarch butterflies are getting into high gear; it’s time for one last push of egg laying for the season. Our native milkweed is about to go dormant, so in about a month, we should see the final crop of […]
The bee family Megachile
Leaf-cutter Bees are plentiful in the garden at the moment, just as they usually are during this time of year. These solitary bees can be attracted to artificial nesting boxes, and we have many available for them. Filled with paper tubes, hollow plant stems and […]
Virginia Opossums
Just like most other gardens around the Los Angeles area, Virginia Opossums are a common sight the GNG. Being omnivores, they seem to do just fine in every habitat Los Angeles has to offer, including the inter city. By reviewing images, we know we have […]
Jagged Ambush Bug
Ambush bugs are true bugs and belong to the same family as assassin bugs. They have an interesting fiddle-shaped body, with thick front legs similar in shape to a praying mantis – perfect for grabbling and holding on to prey. Because of its small size, […]
Geometrid Moth Caterpillar
Some animals are masters of camouflage, like this geometrid moth caterpillar. Not only is their skin cryptically patterned, but while they are at rest, these caterpillars hold their bodies in such a way as to resemble a twig. It’s easy to see how predators (mostly […]