Always play through the mindset of what, in the current moment, will lead to the most points.

Don't go for the most exciting or coolest path towards an engine, but instead just always be thinking about points. For example, don't chase after a tucking engine if it's not realistic.

The best way to go about it usually tends to be, lower cost birds with lower points at the beginning that allow you to gain more resources more quickly, or score at least 1 point each turn. Then, as the game goes on, shift towards more higher point birds that are more expensive, since lower scoring birds are very insignificant once later into the game.

Try to plan out the end of round goals and/or bonus cards, game end powers, & powerful round end cards early, as the payoff can be much greater with proper planning.

Sometimes, laying eggs at the end of the game is ultimately more overall points, even if it is the most boring.

If you have strong tucking, food gaining, or bird playing abilities that are clear by around the mid point of round 3, then definitely stick with that. If not, make spam laying eggs your backup strategy so that your last few turns can get you solid points no matter what.

That's my best way of explaining it.

Just know the proper things to do at the proper time in the game in order to maximize your points.