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Black-headed Grosbeak by Luis Villablanca

Field Trip: Phylo-birding at Alum Rock Park (San Jose)

Located within the Alum Rock Canyon in east San Jose, this park is California’s oldest municipal park. Habitats include chaparral, riparian, mixed forests, grasslands, and rocky terrain. We'll use the park's diverse bird species and habitats to focus on ways in which phylogenetic and biogeographic knowledge can enrich your birding experience. There will be handouts.

Trip Difficulty: 2-3 miles, paved trails, packed-dirt trails, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), some shade

Other Trip Notes: Before the trip, it would be good to attend the phylo-birding Zoom talk [space for link here]. It would be good even if you don't go on the field trip.

Leaders: John Harshman (408) 406-4733

Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, Beginner Friendly

Meet: parking lot

Directions: From US-101 or I-680 exit McKee Rd east towards the hills. Turn left onto Toyon Ave then turn right onto Penitencia Creek Rd. Continue on Penitencia for about 0.7 miles into the park. Once in the park, continue another 2.4 miles. The [name unknown] parking lot is on your right. Lat/Long: 37.396764, -121.802354

Facilities: bathroom, drinking water

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, parking fees

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