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.
Warriors, Slaves and Assailants – it’s all going on in the GNG.
If you look closely in your garden, you may find drama on a small scale. Warriors & Slaves In this photo, Argentine Ants are herding their aphid slaves for food. The food source the ants are exploiting is the sweet honeydew substance aphids excrete after […]
Fewer Butterflies
This Gulf Fritillary was one of the few butterflies seen in the GNG today. As winter approaches butterflies are becoming scarce and only a few species will be seen from now until early spring. Gulf Fritillaries can be seen looking for nectar on most warm […]
Pine Siskins are Back
Pine Siskins arrived in mass a few weeks ago and seem to be sticking around the GNG. In California these birds are normally found in our higher local mountains and the High Sierra, moving down-slope in the late fall and winter in search of an […]
Early Morning Autumn Bath
The number of individual hummingbirds in the GNG has increased dramatically as of late. At any given time, there will be anywhere between 30-50 birds on the feeders. And as expected this time of year, Anna’s Hummingbirds and Allen’s Hummingbirds are the only species […]
“Down Under” Emigré
Sometimes a beautiful insect is not a welcome guest in a garden. This species of Eucalyptus Longhorned Borer was first documented in California in 1995 and is now well established throughout the state; along with non-native plants come non-native insects. Luckily, this very large beetle […]
Honey Bee or or Bee Mimic?
Mimicry is one of many interesting strategies for survival in the animal kingdom. This Syrphid Fly is a European Honey Bee mimic. Honey bees have the ability to sting, so this fly’s disguise will get it respect from many animals. But the question arises; why […]
Singing in the Rain
This male Townsend’s Warbler thought taking a bath during a brief rain shower today was a great idea. So pleased was he that many soft warbler chips were sung during his late morning rinse. Townsend’s Warbler’s breed in the moist forests of the Pacific Northwest […]