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Western Wood-pewee by John Scharpen

Field Trip: Rancho Cañada del Oro (Morgan Hill)

Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve is located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains in South Santa Clara County, near Morgan Hill. Habitats include mixed oak woodlands, chaparral-sage scrub, open grasslands, and a riparian corridor along Llagas Creek. We'll stroll the flat paved and dirt trails looking and listening for birds such as California Quail, Western Wood Pewee, Bullock’s Oriole, Black-headed Grosbeak and Northern House Wren.

Optional: After the trip, we’ll meet at Calero Reservoir to picnic together under some shady trees (parking fees at this 2nd location).

Trip Difficulty: 2-3 miles, paved trails, packed-dirt trails, uneven or rutted trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade, be prepared for a shallow creek crossing.

Other Trip Notes: Weather variable. Generally mornings start cold then the trails really heat up by mid-morning. Wear layers.

Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391, Edward Rooks (408) 318-2485

Family Friendly Ages 14 and up, Beginner Friendly, Intermediate Level Birding

Meet: Overflow parking lot

Directions: From US-101, exit Bailey Ave. Continue west on Bailey Ave for 3 miles. Turn left onto McKean Rd, continue for 2.5 miles, then turn right onto Casa Loma Rd. The preserve is located at the end of Casa Loma Rd and the overflow lot is 1/4 mile up the road from the main parking lot - please do not park in the gravel equestrian lot. Latitude/Longitude of the overflow lot: Latitude/Longitude: 37.144862, -121.779067

Facilities: ADA accessible pit toilet, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: dirt parking lot, no fees

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