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Phainopepla by Howard Friedman
A Birding Saunter at Joseph D. Grant County Park (Members Only)
Joseph D. Grant County park is an excellent birding location in the East Hills of Santa Clara County. We will walk through the scrub and savanna habitat in search of lingering winter birds as well as possible early spring arrivals. Nestled in a bucolic valley with stunning views of Mount Hamilton and Lick Observatory, it feels like another part of the world. Target birds include Golden Eagle, Say’s Phoebe, Phainopepla, Lawrence's Goldfinch. Attendees are encouraged to bring lunch and we can eat together after the walk.
Trip Difficulty: 2.5 miles. Trails are packed dirt and mostly level. There is a very small rise on the Snell Trail. Multi-use trails so look out for bikes. There is little shade
Leaders: Howard Friedman (408) 806-6772 and Craige Edgerton (408) 460-1102
Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, Intermediate Level Birding
Meet: Ranch House parking lot.
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. At the brown sign directing you to the park office and ranch, turn left into the parking area. 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
Parking Type and Fees: Parking fee is $6.00 without a yearly county park pass. Paved roads throughout the parking areas
Facilities: Bathrooms are available and there are places to fill your water bottles. Occasionally, only one of the bathrooms is open. Cell phone serves is poor to non-existent.
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.