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White-crowned Sparrow by Chris Johnson

Field Trip: Winter Birding at Grant Lake (San Jose East Hills)

Joseph D. Grant County park is an excellent birding location in the East Hills of Santa Clara County. This intermediate trip will start by the Ranch House then follow the Hotel trail north through savannah habitat to Mount Hamilton road looking for wintering sparrows. We’ll check out the hidden McCreery Lake for herons, egrets, and ducks. Then we’ll continue to Grant Lake to look for more waterfowl while scanning the open skies for raptors.

Trip Difficulty: 4 miles, paved trails, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, lawns (potentially wet), muddy or possibly muddy after rain, rocky trails, uneven or rutted trails, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), some shade

Other Trip Notes: There is little cell phone coverage. Bring layers and bottled water. Trails and lawns may be muddy, wet or uneven. Steady rain cancels the trip.

Leaders: Ryan Ludman (248) 719-1331

Intermediate Level Birding, Advanced Birding

Meet: Green Barn parking lot by the bathrooms

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: 37.33793, -121.71799

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, bathroom, porta-potty, 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)

Banner Photo: White-crowned Sparrow by Chris Johnson

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