Here are a few common birds:

House Finch:
12-16 days incubation; 11-19 days until first flight

Western Scrub Jay:
16 days incubation; 18 days until first flight

American Robin: 12-14 days incubation; 14-16 days until first flight

Nuttall's Woodpecker: 14 days incubation; 29 until first flight

American Crow:
18 days incubation; 28-35 days until first flight

Mourning Dove:
17-19 days incubation; 35-37 days until first flight

Anna's Hummingbird: 14-18 days  incubation; 18-21 days until first flight

Black Phoebe:
15-17 days incubation; 20-21 days until first flight

Northern Mockingbird:
12 days incubation; 10-12 days until first flight

Cliff Swallow:
12-16 days incubation; 23 days until first flight

Photos courtesy Alison Sheehey © Nature Ali

Frequently Asked Questions about California birds

Daniel S. Cooper, Audubon California

PART I. ATTRACTING BIRDS

Q: How do I attract birds to my yard?
A: Rather than feeding birds, try planting shrubs and trees that are native to your area. Check the phone book for nurseries that carry "native plants", or visit your local botanical garden during a plant sale.

FEEDING BIRDS

Q: Is it safe to feed my hummingbirds nectar with red dye?
A: Current thinking is that the red dye may not be good for them, nor is it necessary to attract hummingbirds. The color on your feeder is enough to attract them. You can mix your own nectar using 1/4 cup sugar to every 1 cup of water.

Q: Should I take my hummingbird feeder indoors during cold weather?
A: Unless you live in an area where the temperature is below freezing during most of the day, you probably don't need to do this. Since bird feeding has always been more prevalent in the eastern U.S., much of the traditional advice applies better to the East than the West. Three species of hummingbirds, Anna's, Costa's and Allen's, are year round residents across large parts of the state.

Q: What is safe to feed my backyard birds?
A: Most of the pre-packaged wild birdseed and suet cakes are a favorite among backyard birds. This mixture can be obtained from most grocery stores, pet stores or Wild Bird Centers (1-800-WILD BIRD).

Q: How can I identify what kinds of birds are in my yard?
A: The best way is to purchase a bird identification book. The National Audubon Society has a Field Guide to North American Birds for the Western and Eastern regions. These books include color photographs and descriptions of the birds you may find in your backyard. One particularly good source for bird books is the Los Angeles Audubon Society Bookstore (323) 876-0202

PART II. INJURED OR SICK BIRDS

Audubon California is a conservation organization, and is not equipped to take injured animals or to give advice on their care

Q: What do I do if I find an injured bird?
A: First, make sure that it's injured! Many birds become exhausted during migration (spring and fall), and trying to help is not recommended. If a bird is obviously hurt (e.g. broken wing), the best solution is to make the animal as comfortable as possible and call your local humane society or wildlife care center for directions and/or pick up.

Information on baby bird care may be found here Pomona Valley Audubon Society.

If you find a dead bird in good condition that you suspect may have died of West Nile Virus:
Please call: 1-800-WNV-BIRD

For truly injured birds, see a list of Rehabilitators.

Here is a list of some wildlife rehabilitation centers:

Southern California Wildlife Rehabbers:
San Gabriel Valley
Judy Everett, Wild Wings of California
San Dimas
909-592-4900
raptornut@aol.com
Specialties: Passerines, non-passerines, and raptors

Long Beach/”South Bay”
All Wildlife Rescue and Education
Long Beach
562-434-0141
recovery@awre.org

South Bay Wildlife Rehab
Rancho Palos Verdes
310-378-9921
Specialties: All native Calif. birds, esp. babies; orphaned native small mammals

Malibu/Pacific Palisades
Malibu Wildlife Center and Emergency Response
Malibu
310-457-WILD
Specialty: Marine mammal rescue

Topanga Animal Rescue
Topanga (only)
310-455-4088
kenmazur@earthlink.net
Specialties: birds and small mammals (can stabilize/transport large mammals), veterinary technician (ER/critical care)

Orange County (north):
Wetlands & Wildlife Care Center of Orange County
Huntington Beach
714-374-5587
Gorman9122@aol.com
Specialties: avian (especially seabirds), small mammals, and oiled birds

Orange County (south)
Linda Evans, Pacific Wildlife Project
Laguna Beach
714-831-1178
lin4pelican@earthlink.net
Specialties: pelicans, seabirds, waterbirds, songbirds

Ventura/Santa Barbara
Wildlife Care of Ventura County
Thousand Oaks
805-498-8653

Wildlife Care of Ventura County
Ventura
805-667-4878

Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network
Santa Barbara
805-966-0023
armann@silcom.com
Specialties: seabirds, songbirds, and small mammals

Bird of Prey Preservation Program
Santa Barbara
805-966-0568
ccholley@emailmsn.com
Specialties: we have rehabbed raptors, sea birds, mammals, songbirds

Indio/Palm Springs
Morongo Basin Wildlife Rehab. Station
Morongo Valley
760- 363-1966
byrdman@telis.org
Specialty: birds

Kern County

Facility for Animal Care & Treatment
California State University, Bakersfield
9001 Stockdale Hwy.
Bakersfield, CA 93311
661-664-3167
Specialty: raptors
http://www.csub.edu/FACT

Bay Area Wildlife Rehabbers:
Marin
Wildcare
San Raphael
http://www.wildcaremarin.org/hosp/rehab.htm

East Bay
Lindsay Museum/Wildlife Hospital

http://www.wildlife-museum.org/

Seabirds only
International Bird Rescue Research Center
Cordelia (near Fairfield)
http://www.ibrrc.org/

PART III. BIRD PESTS

Q: What is that bird that sings all night, and how can I make it go away?
A: This is a Northern Mockingbird, a common urban bird in most of California. They are highly territorial (and vocal), particularly during the spring and summer. The mockingbird may be trying to attract a mate or defend the territory around its nest from potential predators. If you've tried to scare it away but can't, you might have to wait until fall. Otherwise, some people have suggested hanging pie tins in the tree where the mockingbird sings.

Q: How do I keep birds from flying into my windows?
A: The birds are seeing a reflection of the place where they want to be (trees, flowers, etc.). Impede this reflection by putting things in the window sill or by hanging Mylar strips just outside the window. The birds will see the moving strips and will not be tempted to fly into them.

Q: Each year, it seems like I see more and more crows. Are they increasing in the area?
A: The American Crow used to be (early 1900s) a fairly common summer resident in river valleys in coastal California and the Central Valley. During recent decades, their numbers have exploded, largely thanks to their ability to exploit features of the urban environment (esp. garbage), and because people no longer shoot them (a common practice 50 years ago). Though a native species, they have reached pest status, and have been linked to increased predation of nestlings (baby birds in nests) throughout the U.S.

Q: Why are birds dive-bombing me or my cat - and should I be afraid?
A: Your yard is probably host to a nesting pair of Northern Mockingbirds or Western Scrub-Jays, two highly territorial birds that are common city dwellers. They do not pose a danger to you or your loved ones (including your pets), but are just annoying. Fortunately, this sort of behavior should cease once the birds have stopped nesting (late summer), and you'll be able to walk outside in peace.

Q: How do I keep pigeons from nesting in my roof?
A: Just like bees and wasps, the best way to get rid of them is to block their access. Figure out where they're entering (often air vents or crevices), and use mesh or chicken wire to cover up the holes.

PART IV. PEOPLE PESTS

Q: Someone's trimming a tree outside my window that is used by hawks and owls. What can I do?
A: Regular maintenance of trees need not conflict with wildlife, and there are many laws and ordinances at your disposal. First, ascertain who is doing the cutting. Is it the city? the county? the power company? Start making calls yourself, preferably to a community outreach specialist at the appropriate agency or company. Much of the maintenance work in your area is probably contracted out, and there's generally no follow-up to see if the work is being done in an environmentally sensitive manner. Note that the people on the ground doing the work will probably have little sympathy for your opinion. If your calls are being ignored, contact a local wildlife agency (e.g. California Department of Fish and Game) or a conservation organization, such as your local Audubon chapter.

PART V. NESTS, NESTLINGS, AND NESTING

Q: What do I do if a bird has fallen out of its nest?
A: It is natural for nestlings to jump out of the nest just before they can fly, and for the parents to bring them food during this period. Is is also perfectly natural for the parents to remove very young birds that are not thriving. If the adults are in the area (and sound agitated), just back off and let them take care of the young bird. Secure pets indoors during this time. If there are cats and dogs around that you cannot secure, gently pick up the bird and place it in a box or basket. Try locating the nest and place it back in as best you can. If you cannot find the nest, leave the young bird in a box or basket and place out of reach of predators and let the parents continue to feed their young.

Q: What do I do about birds building a nest in an inappropriate place on my property?
A: The best advice is to stop this process as soon as it starts. Remove the nest materials by hand or with a hose, making sure not to injure any nearby wildlife. CAUTION: This action is only appropriate in the beginning stages of nest building. If nesting has already begun, it is against the law to injure or disturb wildlife.

Q: How long is the incubation period for my backyard birds? How long until the young ones leave the nest?
A: The length of time varies from species to species.

PART VI. BIRDS IN THE CITY

Q: I see hawks in my neighborhood - is this normal?
A: Several species of hawks may be found in urban and suburban areas throughout California. The most numerous is probably the Red-tailed Hawk, a large, broad-winged raptor that is the "default" hawk over much of the U.S. If you live near old groves of trees, you might also see Red-shouldered Hawk, which is often seen perched on light poles along roads, watching for prey in grassy rights-of-way. Cooper's and Sharp-shinned (winter only) hawks are also seen chasing birds around developed areas, and are frequent lurkers at bird feeders and bird baths. Falcons are present in developed areas, with American Kestrel the most frequently-seen. It is similar in size and shape to a Mourning Dove. Peregrine Falcons are sometimes seen swooping around skyscrapers, hunting for pigeons, and are joined by the much smaller Merlin in the winter.

PART VI. CALIFORNIA NATIVE PLANTS

Below you will find some information on using native plants in coastal Southern California.

Brief Background
Why plant natives? Native plants = native birds and wildlife. Southern California is blessed with an amazing diversity of native plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Starting with agricultural expansion in the 1800s and continuing with urbanization in the mid-1900s, urban-adapted species, planted as ornamentals, began to displace the original ecosystem. However, elements of the native flora and fauna are still present and even thriving, particularly in hilly neighborhoods. They just need some encouragement.

Sources of Native Plants
Your average garden center or even cactus nursery won't carry native plants, and probably won't understand what you're looking for. You've gotta search them out. (See the links at the bottom of this page for some native plant nurseries).

Botanical gardens
(e.g. Huntington Library, San Marino; L.A. State and Co. Arboretum, Arcadia; Rancho Santa Ana, Claremont; South Coast, Palos Verdes) often have plant sales that include natives, and various commercial nurseries are scattered around southern California, including Mockingbird (Riverside) and El Nativo (Irwindale).

List of plants
See http://elib.cs.berkeley.edu/photos/flora/ for images of these and other species

Oak-Walnut Woodland components:

Trees/Large Shrubs
California black walnut (Juglans californica)
coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)
toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
western sycamore (Platanus racemosa) Mostly evergreen (esp. when well-watered) tall tree; Can be a decent screen/alternative to Eucalyptus
red willow (Salix laevigata) and yellow (= "Black") willow (S. lasiandra) Winter-deciduous, but often dense enough to act as an excellent screen year-round. Requires wet soil, but lawn run-off often sufficient. Don't plant exotic willows (e.g. "weeping willow")

Smaller Shrubs/Vines
poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) Excellent wildlife habitat; best on wet, rich soil away from footpaths!
fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum) Very fast-growing shrub (to 4' high), does fine in sunny sites with bright red "hummingbird" flowers; spiny stems
desert wild grape (Vitis girdiana) Very fast-growing, mostly-evergreen vine (covers everything); great wildlife habitat; good substitute for ivy.
Heart-leaved Penstemon (Keckiella cordifolia) Evergreen; As above; slower growing and w/ no spines
Creeping Snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis) Evergreen (to 3' high); A slow growing, twining shrub with attractive white berries that likes deep shade
Bedstraw/Goosegrass (Galium spp.) and Fiesta Flower (Pholistoma auritum) Summer/fall deciduous; Fast-growing, vine-like groundcovers best in shady, moist sites; dies back in summer and fall
Everlasting (Gnaphalium spp.) Variable; some evergreen, others not; can add grayish-green accent to garden
Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
Fleabane Aster (Erigeron foliosus) Attractive lavender flowering shrub (to 3'); blooms in winter and spring

Coastal sage scrub components:

Large Shrubs
Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina) Large evergreen shrub (to 10'); several on site; great wildlife habitat
Coyotebrush (Baccharis pilularis) Easy-to-grow evergreen shrub (to 6'); a few may be on site. Does very well on fill (i.e. highly recommended for site; may be pruned to desired height

Small shrubs
[A number of low (1-4') shrubs are part of a general "coastal sage scrub community", often growing in a mosaic, favoring dry and sunny sites. Like all plants, though, they must be watered regularly while establishing in your garden for the first few months. Substantial dormancy (plants turn brown) occurs naturally in late summer/fall, but if kept watered, dormancy can be reduced significantly]:

California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica); California Brickellbush (Brickellia californica); Palmer's Goldenbush (Ericameria palmeri); Golden Yarrow (Eriophyllum confertiflorum); White Everlasting (Gnaphalium canescens); Saw-toothed Goldenbush (Hazardia squarrosa); Coastal Goldenbush (Isocoma menziesii); Wooly Aster (Lessingia filaginafolia); Wand Chicory (Stephanomeria virgata); Prickly-Pear (Opuntia xvaseyi); Deerweed (Lotus scoparius); Black Sage (Salvia mellifera); California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum); Wand Buckwheat (E. elongatum); Sticky Monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus); California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)

Components of both Woodland and Coastal Sage Scrub:

Trees/Large Shrubs
Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus mexicanus) Winter-deciduous; Great wildlife habitat, w/ abundant berries (to 10'); needs some seepage/water (lawn run-off fine)
Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) Nearly evergreen, dense shrub (to 6') that wildlife love; needs water, so plant near lawn run-off area
Chaparral Honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata); Holly-leaved Redberry (Rhamnus illicifolia); Lemonadeberry (Rhus integrifolia); Sugarbush (Rhus ovata); California Coffeeberry (Rhamnus californica) All substantial (4-8'), evergreen shrubs without showy flowers (but with berries)

Small Shrubs/Vines

California Rose (Rosa californica) Winter-deciduous, dense shrub with attractive pink flowers
Golden Currant (Ribes aureum) As above, yellow flowers
White Nightshade (Solanum douglasii) Summer-deciduous, white flowers

Grasses/Forbs
California Brome (Bromus carinatus)
Purple Needlegrass (Nassella pulchra)
Giant Ryegrass (Leymus condensatus)

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Native Plant Nurseries

Albion Ridge Nursery — Albion — email: ross@mcn.org (707) 937- 1835

Bitteroot Restoration Inc. — Lincoln

CactusByMail.com — Joshua Tree — Yuccas, agaves, cactus and trees

Central Coast Wilds — Santa Cruz — state registered organic nursery

Conservaseed — Sacramento — seed producers of California Native grasses, forbs, legumes, shrubs and flowers

Cornflower Farms — Elk Grove — (916) 689-1015

Dean's Greens — Etiwanda — (909)899-1820

El Nativo Growers — Azusa — (626)969-8449

Far West Bulb Farm — Grass Valley — California Native bulbs.

Forestfarm Nursery — Williams, Oregon

Freshwater Farms — Eureka (707) 444-8261

Garrison Foothill Nursery — Upland(909) 949-9878

Intermountain Nursery — Prather(209)855-3113...

Las Pilitas Nursery — Escondido and Santa Margarita. — (760) 749-5992 or (805) 438-5992

Larner Seeds — Bolinas — with a 17 year old native plant demonstration garden

Matilija Nursery — Moorpark —(805) 523-8604

Mendocino Natives Nursery — Boonville — (707) 895-3853...

Mockingbird Nursery — Riverside — (909) 780-4571

Mostly Natives — Marin County

Mt. Fuji Nursery — Upland — (909) 985-2219

Native Here Nursery — Berkeley — (510) 549-0211e-mail charlid@pacbell.net

Native Sons — Arroyo Grande — (805) 481-5996

North Coast Native Nursery — Petaluma

O'Donnell's Fairfax Nursery — Fairfax, Marin County — (415) 453-0372)

Perrson's Nursery — Pasadena — (626) 792-6073

San Marcos Growers — Santa Barbara — (805) 683-1561

Suncrest Nurseries, Inc. — Watsonville — (831) 728-2595

Tarweed Nursery & Landscape — Chatsworth — (818) 888-2318

The Garden — Pomona — (909) 629-2062

Theodore Payne Foundation — Southern California — (818) 768-1802
located in the north San Fernando Valley, is a consistently good resource for plants of all sizes and for native plant seeds:

Tree of Life Nursery — San Juan Capistrano — (949) 728-0685

The Watershed Nursery — Berkeley

Yerba Buena Nursery — Woodside