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.
Coyote Couple Sniffing Around
At night coyotes are active on and patrol of their territory.
Daytime Coyote
Coyotes’ coats are more colorful then people would assume. This camo helps them blend into the arid hillsides of Southern California. Yet, in the bright morning light, against the green grass, we can get a rare glimpse at its detail.
Northern "Bullock’s Oriole
GNG is proud to have captured our first Northern Oriole. Bullock’s are part of the Emberizidae family which also includes blackbirds, meadowlarks and grackles. This bird likes woodlands and spaces with shade. Northern orioles can be found throughout the United States and may be in […]
Can you spot the California Quail?
Quail flow in and out of the garden in flocks ranging from 6 to 20 birds, eating seeds and scurrying around the under brush. The combination of cool/quiet morning and native flora highly increase your chances of seeing California’s state bird in our garden or […]
Western Tanagers Pairing Up
Western Tanagers are tropical birds who winter in the tropics, but breed throughout the Western United States. Tanagers feed on insects in the spring and summer months, switching to berries in late summer/fall. Check out the photo of the pair calling GNG home! Western Tanager
Male Lazuli Bunting!
. Western Bluebird
Phainopeplas Seek Partners
Phainopeplas are the only North American representative from the Silky Flycatcher (Ptilogonatide) family. They prefer hot desert scrub with some tall trees mixed in. This describes the lower half of the garden to a “T”. Phainopepla mating pair
Skiddish Young Mule Deer
What could scare a Mule deer so much? An over boisterous scrub jay of course.
Hooded Orioles have Arrived
Our migrating population of Hooded Orioles (2 – 4 orioles call GNG home) is back in the garden and insects/flowers should beware! Hooded orioles feed on insects and pierce flowers to steal nectar. Stanford University has noticed an increasing number of Hooded Orioles in California […]
Striped Skunk Sniffing Around
Southern California has a healthy population of skunks in and around urban areas. We all know encounters with skunks can prove costly in terms of baths and tomato sauce, but skunks do play an important role in a healthy ecosystem. Skunks feed on rodents and […]