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Horned Lark by John Scharpen

Field Trip: Early Spring at Máyyan 'Ooyákma/Coyote Ridge (Morgan Hill)

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

Coyote Ridge (Máyyan 'Ooyákma in the local Chochenyo language) is the largest pristine serpentine grassland in the bay area, located in the Diablo Range foothills in southern Santa Clara County. It's the only home of the endangered Bay Checkerspot butterfly and is also home to many serpentine endemic wildflowers. Although there are not many breeding bird species there, the ones that are include Lark Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Horned Lark, Rock Wren and Golden Eagle.

Trip Difficulty: 3.2 miles, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, hilly (elevation gain over 300 ft), little to no shade

Leaders: John Harshman (408) 406-4733

Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, Beginner Friendly

Meet: Preserve parking lot

Directions: From US-101, exit Bailey Ave and head east towards the foothills. Bailey Ave turns into Malech Rd. Continue on Malech Rd for 0.3 miles. The park will be on your right. Latitude/Longitude: 37.214715, -121.721581

Facilities: pit toilet

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, dirt parking lot, no fees

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