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Wild Turkey by Peter E. Hart

Field Trip: Coyote Lake (Morgan Hill)

Let’s enjoy the early signs of spring at Coyote Lake, a 3-mile long reservoir, located in the east foothills between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. We’ll look and listen for Wild Turkeys displaying, Western and Clark’s Grebes performing their courtship dances on the water, and swallows building nests in the tree cavities. Other target birds include Bald Eagle, Spotted Sandpiper and Canyon Wren. Birding starts at the Lake View Campground then we’ll caravan to the dam at the north end of the lake. This trip ends at the dam with an optional picnic lunch on the rocks (or bring a camp chair).

Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, paved trails, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, uneven or rutted trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: During this trip, when driving to our different birding locations, you may choose to follow in your own car or carpool with the other attendees. Scope helpful. Pack your snacks and/or lunch.

Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391, Edward Rooks (408) 318-2485, Bill Albrets (408) 891-0646

Family Friendly Ages 14 and up

Meet: Lake View Campground

Directions: From US-101 in Gilroy, take the Leavesley Road exit. Proceed east on Leavesley Road 2 miles to New Avenue. Proceed north on New Avenue 0.5 miles to Roop Road. Proceed 3.5 miles east on Roop Road into the foothills past the Mendoza Ranch entrance. Turn left into the park and proceed north on Coyote Lake Road, passing through the entry kiosk, and continue to the Lakeview Campround Parking Lot. Park in the day-use area next to restrooms/showers. Note that there are two campground areas, we will be meeting in the one nearest the park entrance (southern most). Lat/Long; 37.080071, -121.530918

Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, ADA accessible porta-potty, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, dirt parking lot, parking fees (use Santa Clara County Park annual pass, otherwise it is $6.00 per car, credit card only)

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.