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.
Coming for the Water and Berries
If you want Cedar Waxwings and American Robins to visit your yard, there is a magic, drought resistant native evergreen to plant in your yard – Heteromeles arbutifolia, or Toyon. We couldn’t recommend it more…
Yucca Weevil
This large weevil (over 1/2″) gave itself away as it flew around the garden, possibly in search of its host plant Hesperoyucca whipplei, or Chaparral Yucca. Adults of this weevil species are usually out seeking mates between March and July, but with the unseasonal warm […]
A Yet to be Named Moth
We found and photographed this tiny moth a few months ago while attracting insects to a UV light in the GNG at night. It was quickly identified as being in the Superfamily Tineidae, or fungus moths. From there, we got to the Family Tineidae, then […]
Bushtit in Thought
A common and beloved year-round resident of the GNG is the long-tailed tit Psaltriparus minimus, or Bushtit (there are 13 Species of long-tailed tits worldwide, but this is the only species found in the Americas). These spunky little birds are always on the move and […]
Thirsty Raccoon
This raccoon just had to play with the bubbling water before it had its drink!
Jostling Hummers – in Slow Motion
Only two species of hummingbirds are present in the GNG during this time of year, but that doesn’t mean it’s quiet around the feeders. Anna’s and Allen’s Hummingbirds can be seen in the GNG year round, with the latter being the most aggressive. At the […]
Slender Salamander
When first encountered, this small thin salamander might look like a worm – until you notice that it has tiny limbs! We found this individual while exploring the GNG at night after a steady rain. Slender salamanders are active during periods of wet weather, and […]
Hermit Thrush
In many Southern California gardens during the winter months, one can find a migratory bird that is considered by some to have the most beautiful song of all North American birds, the Hermit Thrush. Secretive by nature, they are normally seen at the edge of […]
Warriors, Slaves and Assailants – it’s all going on in the GNG.
If you look closely in your garden, you may find drama on a small scale. Warriors & Slaves In this photo, Argentine Ants are herding their aphid slaves for food. The food source the ants are exploiting is the sweet honeydew substance aphids excrete after […]
Fewer Butterflies
This Gulf Fritillary was one of the few butterflies seen in the GNG today. As winter approaches butterflies are becoming scarce and only a few species will be seen from now until early spring. Gulf Fritillaries can be seen looking for nectar on most warm […]