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.
Fall U.C. Davis Hummingbird Lab Visit
Dr. Lisa Tell and her team were in the garden tagging hummingbirds for the past 3 days. This was their fall 2019 tagging session and we had a really cool recapture; a female Allen’s Hummingbird who is at least 4 years old. Already an adult […]
wildfire in north hills
Wildfires are a natural part of Southern California’s chaparral plant community, but they are all heart-breaking never-the-less; we can only hope that wildlife can get out of their path. The Saddleridge Fire is no threat to the garden, but the air thick with smoke and […]
a formidable winged predator
Now that fall has arrived, our Great Horned Owl couple has begun their courtship and territorial calls. Both the male and female owls like to use this old stump to keep an eye on their territory during breeding season. Play the video below to reveal why they […]
Fall warblers are beginning to arrive
Yellow-rumped Warblers have arrived in the garden – right on time.
California Striped Racer
One of the most active snakes in the garden is the California Striped Racer. As the name implies, they are extreme fast as well as skiddish, so getting a good look at one is tough. This individual is a youngster, most likely from this year’s spring clutch.
Vivid Dancer
Along with skimmers, damsel flies are abundant near all of our water sources, also using them for breeding habitat. At the moment, the most common damsel fly in the garden is the Vivid Dancer and the males can be seen courting the females during the warmest […]
Breeding Flame Skimmers
The eco-systems revolving around our three larger water habitats are becoming more diverse as time goes on. Many animals are now using these habitats as breeding opportunities, including Flame Skimmers
Western Black-headed Snake
We found another snake species in the garden, this super cool Western Black-headed Snake. Endemic to California and the Baja California Peninsula, this small snake (compare its size to the fallen oak leaves) lives in moist areas in arid environments and spends most of its life […]
White-lined Sphinx Moths
This year’s second generation of White-lined Sphinx Moths are already emerging from their buried pupa and can be seen flying during both the day and night.
Mule Deer Fawns
These siblings are the youngest fawns we’ve ever seen in the garden – they can’t be more than a few days old. Urban wildlife CUTE OVERLOAD!