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Western Kingbird by John Sharpen
Field Trip: Spring in Joseph Grant County Park (San Jose East Hills)
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 spring arrivals as well as any resident species. We will also spend time at the Ranch House which offers excellent looks at finches, warblers, and other small birds. Possibility of Vermillion Flycatcher, Lazuli Bunting, and Western Flycatchers, even Western Kingbirds.
Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.
Trip Difficulty: 3 miles, packed-dirt trails, lawns (potentially wet), little or no elevation gain, little to no shade
Leaders: Howard Friedman (408) 806-6772
Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, Beginner Friendly
Meet: Green Barn Picnic Area
Directions: From US-101 exit 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. Turn left to follow the sign directing you to Green Barn parking. 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: 37.337493, -121.716896
Driving Notes: Quimby Road winds up into the hills with some steep drop-offs and one short section of narrow road. As an alternative route, some people take Mount Hamilton Rd (Hwy 130) to the park.
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, drinking water, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, parking fees (use Santa Clara County Park annual pass, otherwise it is $6.00 per car, credit card only)
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvbirdalliance.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.