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.
Black-throated Gray Warbler by Susan Cheung
Almaden Quicksilver County Park - Wood Road Entrance (San Jose)
An opportunity to hone your listening skills - the Wood Road Trail of the historic Almaden Quicksilver County Park begins in the dense oak woodland of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with a gradual ascent to scrub and chaparral habitat and beautiful views of Mt. Umunhum to the west. We will be looking for warblers such as Black-throated Gray, Wilson's, and Orange-crowned, as well as oak-woodland and chaparral birds like Spotted Towhee, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and California Thrasher. Purple Finch is also possible.
Trip Difficulty: about 2 miles, packed-dirt trails, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), some shade
Other Trip Notes: Please note that Hicks Road is narrow, steep, and windy, and heavily used by bicyclists from both east and west approaches.
Leaders: Sheila Raymond 408-887-4854, Andy Melnick 650-823-4117, Connor Christensen (714) 616-4866
Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 10 and up
Meet: Almaden Quicksilver Wood Rd Parking Lot
Directions: From CA-85 in San Jose, exit Camden Ave. Continue south on Camden Ave for approximately 1.7 miles, then turn right onto Hicks Road and continue for another 6 miles. At the intersection of Mt Umunhum Rd and Hicks Rd - a 4-way stop sign - turn left onto Wood Rd into the parking area. Latitude/Longitude: 37.175410, -121.862181.
Facilities: no bathrooms, nearest facilities are at the Mt Umunhum Rd and Hicks Rd intersection in the Sierra Azul parking lot (across from the Wood Road entrance); spotty or non-existent cell phone service in the parking lot and environs.
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.