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.
Not a Busy Spring for Migrants so far…
Not a busy spring for migrants so far – they just seem to only be trickling through this year. This Black-throated Gray Warbler was one of only 5 migratory warblers seen in the yard today. Black-throated Gray Warbler
Common Poorwill
It’s breeding season for many species of birds, and the includes the night crew. This male Common Poorwill has been calling continuously every night for weeks now and we see him flying after dark from time to time. A few nights ago he finally sat […]
Fledgling Song Sparrow
It seems like young birds are showing up earlier and earlier these days. This fledgling Song Sparrow appears to be exploring the garden for the first time and looked as if it was thinking about taking a bath – maybe next time…
Bats Hunt Above the Garden
Some may wonder how we know what bats are flying above the GNG. We record their echolocation calls. These recordings are run through software that creates a sonogram, which is then annualized by classification software. Although the software algorithms are quite accurate, we confirm the […]
Busy Bath this Morning!
A record 30 male Allen’s Hummingbirds bathe together at one time during this morning’s wash! For their morning bath, for the most part, our hummers segregate themselves in both sex and species. At the moment we have Anna’s, Allen’s, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds in the yard. […]
Gray Fox Marks its Territory with Scent
At least one Gray Fox has continued to hang around the GNG and apparently this one is a male. Female Red Foxes will lift their leg while marking with scent, but Gray Fox females squat. This fox can be seen lifting his leg to mark […]
Ceanothus Silk Moth
Occasionally, animals are found in the GNG after they have passed away. These findings are important clues to the rhythms of life in the garden, as well as presenting the possibility of adding new species not seen here before. This Ceanothus Silk Moth, wingspan at almost […]