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.
Pine Siskins are Back
Pine Siskins arrived in mass a few weeks ago and seem to be sticking around the GNG. In California these birds are normally found in our higher local mountains and the High Sierra, moving down-slope in the late fall and winter in search of an […]
Early Morning Autumn Bath
The number of individual hummingbirds in the GNG has increased dramatically as of late. At any given time, there will be anywhere between 30-50 birds on the feeders. And as expected this time of year, Anna’s Hummingbirds and Allen’s Hummingbirds are the only species […]
“Down Under” Emigré
Sometimes a beautiful insect is not a welcome guest in a garden. This species of Eucalyptus Longhorned Borer was first documented in California in 1995 and is now well established throughout the state; along with non-native plants come non-native insects. Luckily, this very large beetle […]
Honey Bee or or Bee Mimic?
Mimicry is one of many interesting strategies for survival in the animal kingdom. This Syrphid Fly is a European Honey Bee mimic. Honey bees have the ability to sting, so this fly’s disguise will get it respect from many animals. But the question arises; why […]
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 […]