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California Towhee by Deanne Tucker
Field Trip: Joseph D. Grant - Ranch House area (East Hills San Jose)
Joseph D Grant County Park is a wonderful, quiet park in East San Jose. The Ranch House lawn, oak canopy, rose garden fountain, and riparian areas offer a variety of year-round resident and seasonal birds. A walk along the Hotel Trail reveals open fields and chaparral inhabited by California Thrasher, Lazuli Bunting, Lark Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, and Vermilion Flycatcher (rare). All are welcome to join a walk in this beautiful location on a summer morning.
Trip Difficulty: 2.5 miles, paved trails, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, lawns (potentially wet), some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), some shade
Other Trip Notes: Bring water and sun protection
Leaders: Ryan Ludman (248) 719-1331, Zainab Jamal (415) 710-2572
Family Friendly Ages 14 and up, Beginner Friendly, Intermediate Level Birding
Meet: Ranch house parking area near green barn
Directions: From US-101 exit Capitol Expy in San Jose and continue east for 1.7 miles, turn right onto Quimby Rd and continue for 7 miles. Turn right onto CA-130 E and continue for 0.2 miles. The park entrance is on the right. After passing through the park entry kiosk, continue into the park for about 300 ft. Turn left to follow the sign directing you to Green Barn Parking. Park near the restroom and green barn. Note that google maps “Ranch House Parking Area” will take you to a different location in the large parking lot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.337493, -121.716896
Driving Notes: Quimby Road winds up into the hills with some steep drop-offs and one short section of narrow road. As an alternative route, some people take Mount Hamilton Rd (Hwy 130) to the park.
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, bathroom, drinking water, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, 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.