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.
Lost its Prey?
At the beginning of this video, the owl seems to be looking at its feet to check if it captured prey. Seeing that there was no animal in its talons, the owl takes off running (maybe in the direction it thinks the prey went?). Well […]
She’s been visiting for over 2 years
This female bobcat has been visiting the garden for about 2 ½ years now and we had high hopes that this season she would show-up with kittens. Unfortunately, this year’s “kitten” window is closing fast and if we don’t see any little ones soon, there […]
Leaf-cutter Bees
With Summer just around the corner, the garden is beginning to fill with bees. NATIVE bees! Over a dozen species and hundreds of individuals were found during a causal stroll this weekend – the diversity of the garden’s plants is doing its job. One family […]
Oak Titmouse Nest
Many of the garden’s nesting boxes get used every season by secondary cavity nesting birds (birds that nest inside a cavity but have no ability to excavate that space themselves). This particular box is occupied by a family of Oak Titmice. About two weeks into the […]
Nesting Nuttall’s Woodpeckers
A pair of Nuttall’s Woodpeckers chose one of the garden’s old elderberry trees to excavate this season’s nesting cavity and we couldn’t be happier! This cavity will not kill the tree and will become an important part of the garden’s ecosystem. They will not use this […]
Magic spot for Migratory Birds
From March through mid-May, the lower water feature is always busy with migratory bird life. This year has been no exception and at the moment it’s full of Western Tanagers taking a break from their northern travels. Prior to the tanagers, waves of warblers, orioles, […]
Big Push of Black-headed Grosbeaks
We are deep into migration now and over the last week a continuous wave of Black-headed Grosbeak’s have been coming through the garden. As usual, the lower bath is the most popular hangout for migrating birds. At times, 3 to 4 grosbeaks can be seen […]
Poppies, bees and Buddha
The garden’s Buddha seemingly contemplates wildflowers and bees on a beautiful spring morning.
Hummingbird Sage
To me, I’ve found this to be a really good year for Hummingbird sage. Apparently the plant is not that bothered by the lack of rain (although there were some light showers this morning) as it continues to produce abundant flower stocks and nectar for […]
Hummingbirds Enjoying Golden Currant
Golden currant (Ribes aureum) is in full bloom right now, and hummingbirds are taking advantage of its nectar. This is an excellent plant for wildlife because not only are hummingbirds attracted to its flowers, but soon other birds will be devouring the delicious fruit that […]