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.
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 […]
March morning at the bath
Lesser Goldfinches and White-crowned Sparrows come in for an early morning drink. You can tell that spring is on its way by looking at the plumage of juvenile White-crowned Sparrows. White-crowned Sparrows are migratory and will be leaving for parts North in about a month. […]
Frenzied Nightcap
Anna’s and Allen’s Hummingbirds congregate on a winter’s evening, drinking their last calories just as night falls over downtown Los Angeles. Beginning in mid-January, the population of Allen’s Hummingbirds begins to grow considerably until they far out-number Anna’s Hummingbirds, ebbing once again in the fall.
Great Horned Owl at Daybreak
The Garden’s Great Horned Owls are very active, now spending most of the night hunting in the garden. They must be feeding chicks as they are starting their hunt early in the evening and can still be seen at daybreak. We have searched a few times […]
Sleepy Doe
This doe has been having a morning nap in this spot for the past couple of weeks – always making her bed before lying down. We all want a comfy place to sleep, right? Apparently so does a Mule deer.
Underwing Moth
This underwing moth (Catocala piatrix is my guess) has been lucky to escape danger, evident by the piece missing from its wing. Butterflies and moths are prey for a lot of animals, so it always makes me happy to see beat-up, tattered wings on these […]
Kittens in 2021?
This female Bobcat first appeared in the garden about a year ago, joining our collard male that has now been around for over three years. She likes to use this trail to exit the garden; I haven’t been able to pin down where she enters […]