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Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve

Ferruginous Hawk by Howard Friedman

This park is located in the eastern foothills of Santa Clara County. We will explore the grasslands and rock outcroppings around the summit area in search of wintering specialties which could include late departing Prairie Falcon, Ferruginous Hawk, and Horned Lark. Rare but historically present, Burrowing Owls have been found in this area. When exploring the canyon side of the preserve we could find these expected birds: Tree, Violet-green, and Cliff Swallows, Rock Wren, American Pipit, Lark and Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Golden Eagle, but we could see the local Bald Eagles hunting.

Trip Difficulty: 4 miles, trails are steep with cliffs and they narrow in some places. Could be muddy. Dress in layers. March is an unpredictable time of year for weather.

Leaders: Howard Friedman (408) 806-6772 and John Harshman (408) 406-4733

Family Friendly Ages 14 and up

Meet: Preserve parking lot

Directions: From I-680 in San Jose, exit Berryessa Rd. Travel east towards the hills for a little over a mile. Turn left onto Piedmont Rd, then turn right onto Sierra Rd. The preserve parking lot is on your right in about 4 miles. Address: 5341 Sierra Rd, San Jose, CA 95132. Latitude/Longitude: 37.409140, -121.801635

Facilities: no bathrooms or drinking water

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, no fees

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