The Hummingbird Sanctuary, Santa Paula

The Hummingbird Sanctuary is a private garden shaded with ancient live oaks near Ojai, California. The location is nestled in the foothills of Topa Topa Mountain neighboring Thomas Aquinas College, Santa Paula Punch Bowls hiking trail and Los Padres National Forest. There is a large established hummingbird population living in our oak trees above all year around. You’ll be seated under these magnificent live oaks and will be surrounded by dozens of hummingbirds (several different species, depending on the season) as you observe them come and go, zooming by your ears, feeding on nearby flowers, chattering, doing incredible aerial acrobatics. They are used to people and will go about with their antics undeterred, in your company. These little flying jewels will buzz all around you; they’ll hover inches away so you can both take a closer look at each other. You’ll have a chance to take some great pictures. Tea (Iced tea available in the summer!) and a sweet treat will be served as you observe their acrobatic flight up close and learn all about them! The garden is home to numerous other bird species; some of which you may encounter. Hawks, jays, finches, robins, juncos, doves, crows, cowbirds, wrens are regulars. Ducks, egrets and blue herons visit occasionally. While you’re in the area, visit downtown Ojai just 15 minutes away or check out the Santa Paula Punch Bowl hike, trail head is at our location. Ventura beaches are only 20 minutes away.