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California Thrasher by Erica Fleniken
Spring birding at Joseph D. Grant County Park
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. We'll explore the ranch garden, Grant and McCreery Lakes.
Trip Difficulty: About 3 miles, packed-dirt trails, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), little shade
Leaders: Andy Melnick (650) 823-4117, Sheila Raymond (408) 887-4854 and Dan Bloch (650) 862-2178
Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, Intermediate Level Birding
Meet: Joseph D. Grant County Park (Ranch Area)
Directions: Take the US-101 exit for 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. Park near the restroom and green barn. Note that Google Maps “Ranch House Parking Area” will take you to a different location in the large parking lot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.338116, -121.718323
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, porta-potty, drinking water, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, parking fees, $6 parking fee or Santa Clara County parking pass
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.