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.

Male Lazuli Bunting!

By slogan | May 1, 2012

. Western Bluebird

Phainopeplas Seek Partners

By slogan | April 24, 2012

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

By slogan | April 10, 2012

What could scare a Mule deer so much? An over boisterous scrub jay of course.

Hooded Orioles have Arrived

By slogan | April 6, 2012

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

By slogan | March 22, 2012

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 […]

Cedar Waxwings Arrive

By slogan | February 16, 2012

If you have never seen a Cedar Waxwing in person I urge you to make the arrangements to do so. Books fall short in conveying this bird’s natural beauty. Waxwings are almost always found in groups, eating and congregating around fruiting shrubs during the winter […]

Red-Tailed Hawk with Prey

By slogan | February 8, 2012

One of the several resident Red-Tailed Hawks with a fresh catch.