Kevin Moran Park(Fall/Winter):
A Saratoga Urban Park

by Lisa Myers

Kevin Moran Park is a 10 acre park located in a quiet Saratoga neighborhood and could be easily missed. It's a beautiful multi-use park with plenty of parking. Its convenient proximity to major roadways makes it an easy option to fit some birding into your busy day.

Trip Covers: September - March

Key Birds: Red-breasted Sapsucker, Western Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, White-crowned Sparrow, Spotted Towhee

The park was named after Saratoga resident and college student Kevin Moran who died in 1970 at the age of 22 when he and his UC Santa Barbara college roommates attempted to calm a crowd rioting against the Vietnam War. In his memory, Kevin’s family always wanted his act of kindness not to be forgotten. Once an apricot orchard they turned this open space into this neighborhood park consisting of an expanse of lawn in the middle, plus a children’s playground, picnic tables, a par course, bocci ball, basketball and a tennis court. The park also has a variety of established trees and shrubs. The variety of trees found here include native oaks, walnuts, some very tall pine trees, redwood trees, sycamores and liquid amber. The paved, relatively flat walking trail is wheelchair accessible and meanders around the entire park. For those inclined to walk off trail you can do that too and explore the bird life found along the edges of the park.

The park consists of several different types of vegetation where a variety of bird species can be discovered. There is parking all along Scully Ave (shown on interactive map below) which borders the entire eastern edge of the park. You can park anywhere along Scully Ave. and enter the park. If you start on the north edge you’ll enter the “Meditation Garden” (#1 on interactive map). This is a quiet corner of the park so listen for birds hiding under cover. You can find both White-Crowned and Golden-Crowned Sparrows here. The nectar producing plantings also attract many Anna’s Hummingbirds. They have also provided information about planting with California Natives.

As you continue west along the park’s north edge (#2 on map) you’ll find lawn to your left and the neighborhood fence line on your right. The area in between consists of (un-official) dirt paths, shrubs and a variety of established trees. There are few park goers in this area so its a great place to find Hermit Thrush and Spotted Towhee. Bird boxes have been placed on the fence line and in the trees providing spring nesting cavities for Western Bluebird and Bewick’s Wrens.

One of the many nest boxes at near the fence line

The shrubs along the fence line are a great place for Hermit Thrush and Spotted Towhee

There is a row of low growing rosemary planted along the lawn edge. Keep an eye out for a variety of birds that feed from the hedge or hide within including Lesser Goldfinch or any of the sparrows. There are several olive trees that were also planted throughout this section of the park and you may spot Bushtits or Chestnut-backed Chickadees bug hunting.

The park is in close proximity to the Santa Cruz Mountains. As you walk anywhere in the park remember to glance up now and then to see if any raptors are flying over like Red-tailed Hawks, Cooper’s Hawks or Turkey Vultures.

As you reach the north/west corner of the park its rather secluded from park goers. Here you’ll find the cinderblock sound wall at 85, a basketball court and the entrance to the walking bridge (#3) that takes you over highway 85 and connects to the 4 acre Azule Park. Here may find Northern Flickers, California Scrub Jays and California Towhees. Something larger may be perched high above in the pine trees.

Walking bridge that takes you over Highway 85 and connects to the 4 acre Azule Park

The level, paved path takes you along the western edge of the park as it wraps around the lawn. In addition to a par course, you’ll find established trees on one side and oaks on the other (#4 on map). From either side of the path you may find both Yellow-rumped Warblers and Oak Titmice. The large expanse of lawn should be checked for American Robins and Western Bluebirds. The trees here may reveal a White-breasted Nuthatch or a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet and provide the opportunity to find a variety of woodpeckers including Red-breasted Sapsuckers, Nuttall’s, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers.

Visible from anywhere in the park you’ll find Redwood Trees scattered throughout. On a good day you might find a Merlin or an American Kestrel perched on top with Dark-eyed Juncos below, and remember to listen for a Brown Creeper.

Once to the south side of the park (#5) you’ll find the playground, bocci ball court, tennis court and the restrooms. With all this activity you can still find the birds that share our neighborhood habitats including House Finch, Eurasian Collared Doves, Mourning Doves and perhaps a Northern Mockingbird.

Ready for More?

Plan to come back to Kevin Moran Park in the spring when the nest boxes are filled with nesting species and Hooded Orioles have returned to the neighborhood.

Interactive Map

Directions: Kevin Moran Park is located at 12415 Scully Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070. From 85 exit De Anza Blvd. Southbound to Prospect Road. Turn left onto Prospect Road and follow to Scully Ave. and turn right. Latitude/Longitude: 37.285501, -122.0217937

Parking: Plenty of parking on Scully Ave. parallel to the park.

Fees: No fees

Public Transportation: none available

Walking Bridge Over 85: There is a walking bridge over 85 that connects Kevin Moran Park with the smaller 4 acre Azule Park.

Park Hours: 8 a.m. until sunset, year-round

Facilities: Wheelchair accessible bathrooms are located on the south end of the park, and drinking fountains and picnic tables are found throughout.

Trip Mileage: variable

Trail Conditions: Flat, paved multi-use trails

Bikes: Bikes are allowed and they have provided a place to lock up bikes if needed.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible curbs are located on both the north and south side of the park along Scully Ave. The paved walking trail is also wheelchair friendly with only a slight rise in a few places. You’ll find ADA compliant bathrooms, benches and picnic areas.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed on 6-ft leash

More Information:

More Resources

For more trips like this one, visit Self-Guided Field Trips.
Visit the SCVAS Birding Resources page for more information on where to bird, our birding community, bird identification resources and more.
Read “What to Look for Now” by SCVAS Executive Director Matthew Dodder.

Photo Credit: All photos, including the banner photo, by Lisa Myers.

Last Reviewed: 11/8/2022

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Kevin Moran Park(Fall/Winter): A Saratoga Urban Park

by Lisa Myers

Kevin Moran Park(Fall/Winter):
A Saratoga Urban Park