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.
Bald Eagle by Edward Rooks
Coyote Lake (Gilroy)
Coyote Lake, a 3-mile long reservoir, is located in the east foothills between Morgan Hill and Gilroy. We’ll meet and start our birding at the Lake View Campground Parking Lot. Then we will caravan to the dam at the north end of the lake. The trip ends at the dam. Target birds include Red-breasted Sapsucker, Clark’s Grebe, Western Grebe, Spotted Sandpiper, Rock Wren, Canyon Wren and Rufous-crowned Sparrow.
Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.
Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, paved and gravel routes, uneven terrain, little elevation gain, little to no shade
Other Trip Notes: During this trip, when driving to our different birding locations, you may choose to follow in your own car or carpool with the other attendees. Scope helpful. Spotty cell phone service. Pack your snacks and/or lunch.
Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391, Edward Rooks (408) 318-2485 and Carlos Mendoza (408) 427-7209
Family Friendly Ages 10 and up
Meet: Lakeview Campground Parking Lot
Directions: From US-101 in Gilroy, take the Leavesley Road exit. Proceed east on Leavesley Road 2 miles to New Avenue. Proceed north on New Avenue 0.5 miles to Roop Road. Proceed 3.5 miles east on Roop Road into the foothills past the Mendoza Ranch entrance. Turn left into the park and proceed north on Coyote Lake Road, passing through the entry kiosk, and continue to the Lakeview Campround Parking Lot. Park in the day-use area next to restrooms/showers. Note that there are two campground areas, we will be meeting in the one nearest the park entrance (southmost). Lat/Long: 37.080071, -121.530918
Facilities: ADA accessible porta-potties and/or bathrooms available at Lake View Campground Parking Lot, Sandy Beach, and the dam.
Parking Type and Fees: paved and gravel lots, 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.