The Naturalist’s Journal

What's Happening "Fauna-wise" in the Garden

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.

First of the 2017 Season Hooded Oriole

By slogan | March 15, 2017

March 10th was the date our first Hooded Oriole showed-up in the GNG this season – a beautiful male!

The 2017 Native Bee Season has Begun

By slogan | March 13, 2017

For the most part, our native bees have been inactive for the winter but are now being seen in the GNG. Two weeks of warmth and a few 80° days have triggered them to life.  On one day alone we found five bee species not observed […]

California Quail!

By slogan | March 10, 2017

After a long absence, two adult male California Quail came strolling through the garden this past week.  Coveys may have broken-up early this year and these two boys most likely had females close by.  We can only hope quail chicks bless the GNG this spring!!

FOS Rufous Hummingbird

By slogan | February 24, 2017

We had our first of the season (2017) Rufous Hummingbird today.  This bird would have come up from Mexico and is travelling to his breeding grounds – maybe as far as Alaska!

Happy Saint Valentine’s Day!

By slogan | February 14, 2017

About as close to hummingbird love as you will ever get…

Small Drip Bath

By slogan | February 10, 2017

Water can be offered to wildlife in many ways.  A small drip-bath on the ground is perfect for drinking and bathing, especially ground dwelling species.  In the video below, many birds can be seen coming for a drink (and some for a quick bath) from […]

Rare Bird Alert!

By slogan | February 2, 2017

A White-throated Sparrow was recently found in the GNG, an exceptional new species for our ever-growing bird list.  During most winters, 10–15 of these birds will be documented in Los Angeles County – this was number 8 for the 2016/2017 season!  This one (like most […]