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Yellow-billed Magpie by Vinayak Hebbagil

Field Trip: Diablo Foothills OSP (Gilroy)

This is a joint event with Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority.

This large, south county preserve is usually closed to the public. It's a hilly area with oak savannah, grasslands, riparian woodland, and a couple of artificial ponds. We’ll enjoy the spring wildflowers plus birds such as Golden Eagles, Yellow-billed Magpies, Western Meadowlarks, and Grasshopper Sparrows.

Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.

Trip Difficulty: 3-4 miles, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, hilly (elevation gain over 300 ft), some shade

Leaders: John Harshman (408) 406-4733,

Family Friendly Ages 14 and up, Beginner Friendly

Meet: Grass lot near the preserve gate

Directions: From US-101 S in Gilroy, take the CA-152 E exit, and in half a mile make a left on Cañada Road. Continue on Cañada Road for 5 miles. When you are getting close, look for an old windmill on your left. The parking area is located on your left in less than 0.25 miles after you pass the windmill. If you reach Cañada Rd and Jamieson Rd, you’ve gone too far. Lat/Long: 37.024969, -121.456132

Facilities: porta-potty

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.