Chestnut-backed chickadee by Vinayak Hebbagil

PUBLIC 4 HOUR TRADITIONAL

Shweta and Vinayak will be back for the SCVAS Birdathon and our aim is to see and hear a diverse set of bird species, catch some of the spring migrants arriving in the county and hopefully, capture any interesting behavior - all the while remaining curious!

We will start the morning early at the Smith Creek Fire Station. Then we will head to the ranch house area and the hotel trail at Joseph Grant County Park. We hope to encounter Bullock's Orioles, Ash-throated Flycatchers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, and Western Kingbirds among other species.

Feel free to get packed lunch as we'll picnic after birding. Be sure to bring plenty of water, wear a hat/sun protection.

Trip Difficulty: 2-3 miles, gravel trails, packed dirt trails

Leader: Vinayak Hebbagil and Shweta Shidhore, vinayakh7985@gmail.com

Birding Intensity: Casual/Social

Meet Location: Parking lot at CalFire Smith Creek Fire Station.

Directions: From US-101 exit Capitol Expy in San Jose and continue east for 1.7 miles, turn right onto Quimby Rd and continue for 7 miles. Turn right onto CA-130 E and continue for 0.2 miles. The park entrance is on the right. After passing through the park entry kiosk, continue into the park for about 300 ft. Turn left to follow the sign directing you to Green Barn parking. Park near the restroom and green barn. Note that google maps “Ranch House Parking Area” will take you to a different location in the large parking lot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.337493, -121.716896

Driving Notes: Quimby Road winds up into the hills with some steep drop-offs and one short section of narrow road. As an alternative route, some people take Mount Hamilton Rd (Hwy 130) to the park.

Facilities: ADA restrooms, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent

Photo Banner: Chestnut-backed chickadee by Vinayak Hebbagil

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