Women Walk the Wilds

We'll visit Calero Reservoir and look for Clark's and Western Grebes. If we're lucky, we'll get to see courtship behaviour including "rushing." I'm expecting Red-Winged Blackbirds and Song Sparrows to be singing, and hoping for an Osprey. This field trip is especially for people who identify as women, femme or nonbinary and is led for us, by us.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles; paved, gravel, dirt and grass routes, muddy or possibly muddy after rain; uneven or rutted trails; little or no elevation gain; little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: Bring layers--it may be warm; it may be foggy; we might have strong winds. Bring a camp chair and stay for a BYO picnic lunch to watch the grebes. Bring your Santa Clara County Parks Pass if you have one; $6 parking fee if you don't.

Leaders: Ann Hepenstal, Kirsten Holmquist, Linda Johnson, and Linda Sullivan. Contact information will be provided to attendees a few days before the event.

Beginner Friendly, Loaner Binoculars Available, Intermediate Level Birding

Meet: Boat ramp parking lot

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: 37.186744, -121.775107

Facilities: ADA accessible porta-potties, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: paved parking and gravel parking; $6 day use fee or Santa Clara County Park pass.

Photo: Western and Clark’s Grebe by Sarah Chan

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org