Birding Tips & FAQs

Bird early in the day.

Birds are most active early to mid morning. Come early in the day for the most activity.

Bird behavior can vary seasonally.

In the spring and summer, birds are tending to nests, eggs, and young.  They will intentionally camouflage in vegetation and stay still to avoid predators. Once chicks can fly, they will continue to care for their young throughout the nesting season.

In the spring and fall some birds are also migrating as they move between nesting and wintering sites. You might notice bird species sightings change during that time.

How do you take care of the birds at the ENC?

We protect and restore native habitat that is critical for bird survival.

Want more birds?

Sign up for one of our bird walks on our events calendar.

Want to see birds at home?

Bring birds to your home today by growing native plants. With Audubon’s Native Plant Database, you can find the best plants for the birds in your area. Growing bird-friendly plants will attract and protect the birds you love while making your space beautiful, easy to care for, and better for the environment. Explore Audubon’s native plant resources here, including factsheets on creating a native plant garden and how it can save you money.

I Found a Bird that needs Help

What to do if you see a sick bird.

You found a baby bird of the ground…

How to start birding

Audubon’s advice

ABA Code of Birding Ethics

Native Plants

Grow Plants for Birds

Why Native Plants are Better for Birds

Plants for Birds

Native Plants for Hummingbirds

Birding at home

All About Birds

When It’s Okay (or Not) to Feed Birds

Proper care of Hummingbird Feeders

Conservation at Home

Birding in California

Migration

Bird Migration Explorer

Identification and tracking

Hummingbirds

eBird

All About Birds

Government Agencies

Fish & Wildlife Service

CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife