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.
Spring is Still in the Air
Two Band-tailed Pigeons enjoy a quiet moment together…
Voice of the Chaparral
The Wrentit is long-lived, year-round resident of coastal scrub and chaparral throughout the western US. Wrentits hold the distinction as being the most sedentary species of birds in North America, with an average territory of a couple hundred square yards. Pairs are exceedingly faithful to […]
Happy to see a Snake in the Garden
Gopher snakes, as with most snakes, should be a welcome sight to any homeowner. Gopher snakes are active almost any time of day or night during warm periods. They make their living on mostly small mammals, especially pocket gophers, rats, moles and mice. Gopher snakes are constrictors, […]
Scaredy Cat!
In the last few weeks, one of our trail cams (positioned in the lower back garden) has been capturing a neighbor’s cat. This cat enjoys exploring nocturnally – a risky business when you live in an area with many large predators and in the clip […]
Oak Titmouse shows Fox Squirrel Who’s Boss
Eastern Fox Squirrels can and will rob nests, but in the video below, this bad-boy finds out what happens when you stick your nose in the wrong place – you get walloped! A secure nesting box gives the occupant a fighting chance against predators. In this […]
Not a Busy Spring for Migrants so far…
Not a busy spring for migrants so far – they just seem to only be trickling through this year. This Black-throated Gray Warbler was one of only 5 migratory warblers seen in the yard today. Black-throated Gray Warbler
Common Poorwill
It’s breeding season for many species of birds, and the includes the night crew. This male Common Poorwill has been calling continuously every night for weeks now and we see him flying after dark from time to time. A few nights ago he finally sat […]
Fledgling Song Sparrow
It seems like young birds are showing up earlier and earlier these days. This fledgling Song Sparrow appears to be exploring the garden for the first time and looked as if it was thinking about taking a bath – maybe next time…
Bats Hunt Above the Garden
Some may wonder how we know what bats are flying above the GNG. We record their echolocation calls. These recordings are run through software that creates a sonogram, which is then annualized by classification software. Although the software algorithms are quite accurate, we confirm the […]
Busy Bath this Morning!
A record 30 male Allen’s Hummingbirds bathe together at one time during this morning’s wash! For their morning bath, for the most part, our hummers segregate themselves in both sex and species. At the moment we have Anna’s, Allen’s, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds in the yard. […]