Nest in Place

At OMCA we affirm that nature and outdoor spaces are for everyone. We also name the deep legacy of exclusion and violence toward people of color, particularly Black people, in parks and public spaces—including National Parks and Regional Parks—and the discriminatory practices of environmental groups. Through OMCA’s exhibitions and programs, we work to foster joy for the natural world in order to build stronger communities. Let us as a community hold each other accountable and speak up when we see discrimination.

Discover the world of California birds wherever you are, from our Gallery of California Natural Sciences to your home. Get creative with bird-themed games, learn tips for beginning birding, explore bird sounds from the California Library of Natural Sounds, and more. Check back often for more activities being hatched up!

Fun & Games

Bird Bingo

Take this Bingo card on your next walk or look outside your window and count how many birds you can find. Tag us on social media at @oaklandmuseumca when you hit Bingo!

Download Your Bingo Card

Create a Bird Map

Create a map of your local bird community!

Download Your Bird Map

On a Walk

Listen to Bird Sounds

Can you find these birds in your neighborhood? Explore different species and sounds of common birds that can be found in a range of habitats and regions around the Bay Area and California.

American robin, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Anna’s hummingbird, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Bewick’s wren, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Bob McGuire / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

California scrub jay, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

William R. Fish / Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Cedar waxwing, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Dark-eyed junco, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

European starling, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

House finch, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Killdeer, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Lesser goldfinch, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Mallard, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Mourning Dove, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Northern mockingbird, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Oak titmouse, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Red-tailed hawk, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Rock pigeon, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

White-crowned sparrow, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

American crow, audio recording. California Library of Natural Sounds, the Oakland Museum of California.

Interested in exploring more nature sounds? Take a sound walk across California with OMCA’s California Library of Natural Sounds.

Birding for Beginners

Break out your binoculars (optional!) and follow OMCA Preparator and bird enthusiast Evan Barbour through a variety of urban and natural environments as he shares how to bird by ear.

Explore Birding Habitats

Step outside your front door and discover four prime habitats for birding alongside OMCA Preparator and avid birder Julie Starr.

Bird Migration

Why is spring a great time to look for birds? OMCA preparator and avid birder Julie Starr shares three tips for birding during migration season.

Bird Illustration

At Home

Get Curious with Community Science

Be part of a community science project in partnership with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Visit celebrateurbanbirds.org to find bird-watching instructions and report your observations! The data you collect will help scientists at Cornell University learn about what makes cities friendly to birds.