Back to All Events

Field Trip: Beginner Birding at Hellyer (San Jose)

  • 37.287702, -121.812413 (map)

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.

Western Bluebird by Laura Kreutzer Forrest

Field Trip: Beginner Birding at Hellyer (San Jose)

Calling new birders for a bird walk on the last day of summer. We’ll explore this urban park with a variety of habitats along Coyote Creek. We’ll look for lingering summer species, newly arrived winter residents, migrants, and year round locals. Come learning basic birding techniques and beginner identification.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, paved trails, gravel trails, lawns (potentially wet), little or no elevation gain, some shade

Other Trip Notes: Hellyer County Park has TWO entrances. We will be meeting on the north side near the Velodrome. Do not park on the south side (by the lake) or the dog park.

Leaders: Ryan Ludman (248) 719 1331

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 14 and up, 1 mile or shorter, 2 hours or less

Meet: Velodrome parking lot (near the restrooms)

Directions: From US-101 in San Jose, exit Hellyer Ave. Follow the signs for the county park and merge onto Hellyer Ave. Continue straight on Hellyer Ave. to the first intersection. DO NOT TURN LEFT on Hellyer but continue straight past the Kiosk. Follow the park signs to the Velodrome which is about 1/4 mile into the park. Do NOT drive up the hill to the dog park. Latitude/Longitude: 37.287702, -121.812413

Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, bathroom, drinking water, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, ADA compliant spots, parking fees (use Santa Clara County Park annual pass, otherwise it is $6.00 per car, credit card only)

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