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Yellow-billed Magpie by Vinayak Hebbagil

Field Trip: Mendoza Ranch & Roop Pond (Gilroy)

Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch is a large regional park located in the hills east of Gilroy. Starting at the Mendoza Ranch entrance, we’ll follow a trail to Roop Pond to look for ducks. We’ll scan the grasslands and skies looking for wintering sparrows, returning warblers and kinglets, and soaring raptors. Target birds include Yellow-billed Magpie, Western Meadowlark, Say’s Phoebe, American Kestrel, and possibly Loggerhead Shrike.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, uneven or rutted trails, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: This trip is 2 miles with a total elevation gain of 200 ft. Terrain conditions will be affected by recent weather. Wear sturdy shoes and layers.

Leaders: Ryan Ludman (248) 719-1331

Family Friendly Ages 14 and up, Beginner Friendly

Meet: Mendoza Ranch parking lot

Directions: From US-101 in Gilroy, exit Masten Ave. Travel east for approximately 1 mile towards the foothills. Turn right onto Center Ave, travel 0.4 miles, then turn left onto Rucker Ave. In 0.8 miles, turn right onto New Ave. Travel 1.6 miles then turn left onto Roop Rd. In 1.9 miles, turn left at the T-intersection and continue on Roop Rd for 0.9 miles. Turn left at the Mendoza Ranch Coyote Lake County Park sign. This road leads to the parking lot. GPS: 37.070541, -121.522468

Facilities: ADA accessible porta-potty, drinking water, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent

Parking Type and Fees: dirt 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.