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White-crowned Sparrow by Sushanta Bhandarkar
Field Trip: Hellyer County Park - Velodrome Area (San Jose)
Hellyer is an urban park in the heart of San Jose along Coyote Creek with a large lake and a public Velodrome. This trip focuses on habitats in the north side of the park in the Velodrome and Sylvandale areas along Coyote Creek. We’ll look for herons and egrets in the creek, raptors in the skies, year-round woodpeckers, and returning winter sparrows and warblers. Beginners and experienced birders are welcome at this fall birding experience.
Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, gravel trails, lawns (potentially wet), muddy or possibly muddy after rain, little or no elevation gain, some shade
Other Trip Notes: Hellyer County Park has TWO entrances. We will be meeting on the north side near the Velodrome (bicycle track) bathrooms. Do not park on the south side (by the lake) or the dog park. We will be walking on paved trails and lawns. Poison Oak grows near the creek by is easily avoided when walking.
Leaders: Ryan Ludman (248) 719-1331 and Melanie Barnett
Family Friendly Ages 14 and up, Beginner Friendly
Meet: Velodrome parking lot, near bathrooms
Directions: From US-101 in San Jose, exit Hellyer Ave. Follow the signs for the county park and merge onto Hellyer Ave. Continue straight on Hellyer Ave. to the first intersection. DO NOT TURN LEFT on Hellyer but continue straight past the Kiosk. Take the first left to follow the park signs to the Velodrome which is about 1/4 mile into the park. Do NOT drive up the hill to the dog park. Latitude/Longitude: 37.287702, -121.812413
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, bathroom, drinking water, 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.