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Drop-In: Birding at Lake Cunningham Regional Park (East San Jose)
Western Grebe by Sushanta Bhandarkar
Join us for some relaxing birding at this stationary, lakeside drop-in event at Duck Cove in Lake Cunningham Regional Park, a renowned and beautiful South Bay birding hotspot. Pop by any time, and for however long you’d like. Birders of all levels welcome, including bird-curious beginners and families with kids of any ages! Multiple SCVBA volunteers will be present throughout the event to help identify the different birds we see and answer questions about them.
Site highlights include Lake Cunningham’s remarkable avian diversity (200+ species reported in its eBird history), short 0.25 mile round trip from the parking lot, plentiful parking (with ADA spots), fully paved path (consistently 6-10 feet wide), restrooms, and no significant elevation changes. This event was designed by an independently ambulatory SCVBA volunteer who requires trails of little to no elevation changes and typically takes a sitting break on a collapsible stool every 0.1-0.2 mile.
We’re excited for up-close views of some year-round residents (ex: Great-Tailed Grackle, Green Heron, Western Grebe, Ruddy Duck), some delightful seasonal visitors (ex: American White Pelican), and plenty more. Hope to see you there!
Trip Difficulty: 0.25 miles, paved trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade
Other Trip Notes: Please refer to the attached PDF for many more details (ex: visual photo trail guide, restroom location, ADA parking spots).
Leaders: SM, Peg Albrets (408) 891-3554, Vicki Silvas-Young (408) 807-6993
Additional Languages: English will be the primary language of this field trip, but other languages spoken by our trip leaders include Spanish and Tamil.
Family Friendly All Ages, 1 mile or shorter, 2 hours or less, No elevation gain, Beginner Friendly
Meet: Duck Cove (37.3364, -121.8049)
Driving Directions: The lake’s general address is 2305 South White Road, San Jose. From US-101, take the East Capitol Expressway exit. Continue for 1.5 miles then turn right on Quimby Road. Continue for 0.75 mile then turn left onto South White Road. Continue for 1 mile then turn left onto the unlabeled traffic signal (large “Lake Cunningham Park” sign visible at this entrance). If you enter the park from this South White Road entrance, continue along the traffic circle and exit the circle to your left (9 o’clock position from where the traffic circle started on South White Road). Proceed along the road until you see the signs on your right for Parking Lot A. If you instead enter the park from Tully Road, turn right at the first stop sign and proceed along the road until you see signs on your left for Parking Lot A (just past the Skate Park). Parking lot A: 37.337451, -121.804069
Facilities: bathroom, cell phone service
Parking Type and Fees: Use Parking Lot A, paved parking lot, ADA compliant spots, Parking is $6 per vehicle.
Banner Photo: Western Grebe by Sushanta Bhandarkar
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.