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Western Grebes by Amanda Newlove
Photowalk: Calero Reservoir (San Jose)
Bring your cameras and let's have fun birding while practicing and talking about photography together. The longer the lens the better, but any photographers and cameras are welcome from beginner to expert.
The target bird of the day will be the Western Grebe with the goal to observe and photograph their interesting behaviors. We'll also look for Clark’s Grebes and Common Mergansers; scan the skies for Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and White-tailed Kites; and investigate the grassy areas and reeds for sparrows and other songbirds.
Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.
Trip Difficulty: Up to 1.5mi, depends on where the Grebes are hanging out that day; gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, uneven or rutted trails, some hills (less than 300 ft elevation gain), little to no shade, A couple inclined sections to navigate up/down the dam
Other Trip Notes: Optional suggestion: Bring a lightweight mat or small stool if you want to sit on the lake shore (something you can easily carry on the trail up to ~1mi). A main part of this trip will be waiting on the Grebes in hopes they display their courtship "rushing" behavior.
Leaders: Amanda Newlove (408) 809-5969
Photowalk (primary purpose of outing is photography)
Meet: Dirt lot to the right of the entrance
Directions: From US-101, exit Bailey Ave. Follow Bailey Ave for 3 miles to McKean Rd. Turn right onto McKean Rd. The boat launch area will be on your left in less than 1 mile. Alternately, from CA-85, exit Almaden Expressway south, drive about 5 miles, then turn right onto Harry Rd at the dead end. To the next left onto McKean Rd. The boat launch parking lot will be on the right in about 2 miles. Latitude/Longitude: 37.187902854, -121.77533310
Facilities: porta-potty
Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, dirt 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.