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Field Trip: Santa Clara Valley Water District Headquarters and Los Capitancillos Ponds (San Jose)

  • 37.248545, -121.874083 (map)

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Scaly-breated Munia by Howard Friedman

Santa Clara Valley Water District Headquarters and Los Capitancillos Ponds (San Jose)

In Almaden Valley and hidden behind the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) headquarters are two percolation ponds, drought tolerant gardens, and the Guadalupe River. After we bird SCVWD, we’ll walk over to the nearby eastern end of the Los Capitancillos percolation pond system. The water district headquarters is an August birding hotspot, with 106 eBird species. If we’re lucky, we will spot the Scaly-breasted Munia that breed in the area.

Trip Difficulty: 2.5 miles, paved trails, gravel trails, little or no elevation gain

Leaders: John Harshman (408) 406-4733

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly All Ages

Meet: 5700 Almaden Expy; park in headquarters visitor parking

Directions: From CA-85, take Almaden Expy south. At Via Monte Dr (first light after crossing Blossom Hill), make a u-turn then make the next right and turn into the headquarters parking lot. Park in visitor parking in front of the building or in any other unmarked spot.Latitude/Longitude: 37.248545, -121.874083

Facilities: cell phone service, no bathrooms

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, ADA compliant spots

Banner Photo: Scaly-breated Munia by Howard Friedman

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