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Oak Titmouse by Sushanta Bhandarkar

Backyard Birds for Beginners at McClellan Ranch Preserve

This event will start outside the SCVAS Nature Shop in Cupertino where we will focus on the birds that visit our feeders such as Lesser Goldfinch, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Oak Titmouse and Nuttall’s Woodpecker. We will also show you how to use Merlin Bird ID, a free bird identification app for iPhones and Android phones that is helpful for new birders. Then we will take a short stroll together along the paved Stevens Creek Trail, looking for and identifying birds. Afterwards, we’ll email you a list of the bird species observed and a guide to additional birding resources.

Trip Difficulty: 1 mile, flat

Other Trip Notes: Bring binoculars if you have them - loaner binoculars are available. Optional: download Merlin Bird ID to your smartphone.

Leaders: Mary Ann Robertson (650) 521-3910, Diane McCoy (650) 714-3769

Beginner Friendly, Loaner Binoculars Available, Family Friendly All Ages, Wheelchair Accessible

Meet: Outside the SCVAS Nature Shop

Directions: From I-280 in Cupertino, exit Foothill Expy. Travel south onto Foothill Blvd for 1.3 miles. Turn left onto McClellan Rd and continue for 0.5 miles. Turn left into the overflow parking lot Latitude/Longitude: 37.313534, -122.064897. The nature shop is located across the creek at the preserve entrance. Address: 22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, Latitude/Longitude: 37.313072, -122.063695.

Parking Type and Fees: no fees, 2 ADA compliant parking spots in the main parking lot and 2 more in the overflow parking lot

Facilities: ADA compliant bathroom, drinking water

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