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Tree Swallow by Chris Johnson

Spring Birding for Beginners at Los Capitancillos Ponds (San Jose)

March and early April are a fantastic time for birding in Santa Clara - our winter birds are gearing up to migrate north, while some of our earliest summer birds are just arriving. This trip will be a great opportunity to say a goodbye to the ducks and an early hello to some of our swallows, and Los Capitancillos is the perfect place to do it - an easy walking trail along a diverse series of ponds in San Jose.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles; gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: Loaner binoculars will be available

Leaders: Peg Albrets (408) 891-3554 and Amanda Newlove (408) 809-5969

Beginner Friendly, Loaner Binoculars Available, Family Friendly All Ages, No elevation gain

Meet: trail entrance on Meridian Ave, west side

Directions: From CA-85 in San Jose, exit Camden Ave. Drive south on Camden Ave for 0.7 miles. Turn left onto Kooser Ave, drive for 0.8 miles. Turn right onto Meridian Ave. Drive for 0.6 miles. The trail entrance will be on your left between Oslo Ln and Coleman Rd. Park anywhere on Meridian Ave or Oslo Ln. Latitude/Longitude: 37.238543, -121.886929

Facilities: no facilities, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: Street parking on Meridian Avenue or Oslo Lane off Meridian. Please be respectful of local parking restrictions and driveways.

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