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Field Trip: Beginner-friendly Birding at Rancho San Antonio (Cupertino)

  • PG&E Trailhead, near southwest corner of Parking Lot 1 37.329913, -122.085818 (map)

Our Spring Birdathon is underway and we’re raising funds for our education programs! When you sign up for a field trip, please consider making a donation to support our mission. Every dollar that you donate makes a difference! If you're interested in more events, see the Birdathon page.

TRIP POLICY: Please limit your sign-ups to 1 weekend trip and 2 weekday trips per month. Also, please take a moment to read our other policies here.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher by Steve Zamek

Beginner-friendly Birding at Rancho San Antonio (Cupertino)

Our route through Rancho San Antonio Preserve in Cupertino will take us through a mix of grassland, chaparral, and wooded areas. Species we will be on the lookout for include Red-shouldered Hawk, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Wrentit, Orange-crowned Warbler, and Warbling Vireo. This trip is geared towards beginning birders, but all are welcome!

Trip Difficulty: 1.5 miles; packed-dirt trails, some shade; the first third of our route is uphill, with an elevation gain of 200 feet over half a mile; the rest is downhill or flat

Other Trip Notes: Please bring binoculars, water, and sun protection.

Leaders: Susan Tenney (408) 802-6184, Ann Hepenstal

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 10 and up

Meet: PG&E Trailhead, near southwest corner of Parking Lot 1

Directions: From Foothill Expressway in Cupertino, turn onto Cristo Rey Drive; continue 0.8 miles to the roundabout; take the second exit to stay on Cristo Rey Drive; continue 0.2 miles. Turn left into Rancho San Antonio and at the intersection, follow the road straight down into Parking Lot 1. Latitude/Longitude: 37.329913, -122.085818

Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: dirt parking lot

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

Later Event: April 12
Birdathon: Hot Spotters