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Belted Kingfisher by Amanda Newlove

Photowalk: Santa Clara Valley Water District Pond (San Jose)

Bring your cameras and let's have fun practicing some bird photography together. The longer the lens the better, but any photographers and cameras are welcome from beginner to expert! Tucked behind the Santa Clara Valley Water District headquarters is a birdy oasis. Two percolation ponds, drought tolerant gardens, and the Guadalupe River bring in a variety of species. We may be able to photograph wintering ducks, wading birds, raptors and songbirds. If we’re lucky, we will spot the Scaly-breasted Munia that are known to be spotted in the area.

Trip Difficulty: 1-2 miles, paved trails, gravel trails, packed-dirt trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Leaders: Amanda Newlove (408) 809-5969, Shrav Sundaram (408) 242-3971, and Sreedhara Alavattam

No elevation gain, Photowalk (primary purpose of outing is photography)

Meet: 5700 Almaden Expy; park in headquarters visitor parking

Directions: From CA-85, take Almaden Expy south. At Via Monte Dr (first light after crossing Blossom Hill), make a u-turn then make the next right and turn into the headquarters parking lot. Park in visitor parking in front of the building or in any other unmarked spot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.2483316, -121.8743835

Facilities: cell phone service, no restroom access on weekends

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking lot, no fees

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