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McClellan Ranch Beginner Bird Outing

Golden-crowned Sparrow by Zihan Wei

This event will start outside the SCVAS Nature Shop in Cupertino where we will focus on the birds that visit our feeders such as Lesser Goldfinch, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Oak Titmouse and Nuttall’s Woodpecker. We will also show you how to use Merlin Bird ID, a free bird identification app for iPhones and Android phones that is helpful for new birders. Then we will take a short trip together along the paved Stevens Creek Trail, looking for and identifying birds. Afterwards, we’ll email you a list of the bird species observed and a guide to additional birding resources.

Trip Difficulty: less than 1 mile; paved, shady trails

Other Trip Notes: bring binoculars if you have them, loaner binoculars available, optional: download Merlin Bird ID to your smartphone

Leaders: Robin Chen (408) 409-4373 and Howard Friedman (408) 806-6772

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 4 and up, Wheelchair Accessible, Loaner Binoculars Available

Meet: In front of the SCVAS Nature Shop

Directions: From I-280 in Cupertino, exit Foothill Expy. Travel south onto Foothill Blvd for 1.3 miles. Turn left onto McClellan Rd and continue for 0.5 miles. Turn left into the overflow parking lot (Latitude/Longitude: 37.313534, -122.064897). The nature shop is located across the creek at the preserve entrance (address: 22221 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014, Latitude/Longitude: 37.313072, -122.063695).

Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, drinking water, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, ADA compliant spots

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