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 Tucker?

We protect and restore native habitat that is critical for bird survival. We partner with OC Habitats to help monitor and manage bird populations. We also provide nest boxes and some supplemental food.

Will you add seed to the bird feeder upon request?

No. We feed the birds earlier in the day to maximize seed availability to the the birds when they are most active.

What should I do if I don’t see birds at the bird feeders?

Find any location at Tucker and close your eyes and listen. Birds can often be heard before they can be seen. Wait quietly and they will feel comfortable enough to continue their activities.

Want more birds?

Check eBird for the most up to date checklists!

Observations: June 28, 2026

Observations

Band-tailed Pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) — 2
Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) — 1
Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri) — 2
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) — 13
Allen’s Hummingbird (Selasphorus sasin) — 2
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) — 3
Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) — 1
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) — 1
Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus) — 7
Nuttall’s Woodpecker (Dryobates nuttallii) — 1
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) — 1
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) — 1
Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) — 2
Hutton’s Vireo (Vireo huttoni) — 3
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica) — 9
Oak Titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus) — 2
Wrentit (Chamaea fasciata) — 3
White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) — 1
Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii) — 1
American Robin (Turdus migratorius) — 1
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens) — 2
House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus) — 8
Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) — 11
California Towhee (Melozone crissalis) — 1
Spotted Towhee (Pipilo maculatus) — 4
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus) — 1
Black-headed Grosbeak (Pheucticus melanocephalus) — 2

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.