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Field Trip: Calero Reservoir in Winter - Grebes!!! (San Jose)

Western Grebe by Amanda Newlove

Calero Reservoir is located in the rolling hills of south San Jose. We’ll poke around the edges of the reservoir looking for Western Grebes, Clark’s Grebes and Common Mergansers; scan the skies for Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and White-tailed Kites; and investigate the grassy areas and reeds for sparrows and other songbirds. We hope to see the grebes starting to do their mating dances, called "rushing". 

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, paved trails, gravel trails, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, rocky trails, uneven or rutted trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: Likely to be cold at first, wear layers. Scopes are helpful.

Leaders: Ray Trent (408) 204-8721

Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, Beginner Friendly, Loaner Binoculars Available

Meet: Boat launch parking lot

Directions: From US-101, exit Bailey Ave. Follow Bailey Ave for 3 miles to McKean Rd. Turn right onto McKean Rd. The boat launch area will be on your left in less than 1 mile. Alternately, from CA-85, exit Almaden Expressway south, drive about 5 miles, then turn right onto Harry Rd at the dead end. To the next left onto McKean Rd. The boat launch parking lot will be on the right in about 2 miles. Latitude/Longitude: 37.186744, -121.775107

Facilities: ADA accessible porta-potty, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: 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.