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Golden Eagle by John Scharpen
What in the Hall's Valley!? (San Jose)
Joseph D. Grant County park is an excellent birding location in the East Hills of Santa Clara County. We will walk through the scrub and savanna habitat in search of lingering winter birds as well as possible early spring arrivals. Nestled in a bucolic valley with stunning views of Mount Hamilton and Lick Observatory, it feels like another part of the world. Target birds include Golden Eagle, Say’s Phoebe, Phainopepla, Lawrence's Goldfinch. Attendees are encouraged to bring lunch and we can eat together after the walk.
Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.
Trip Difficulty: 3-4 miles, packed-dirt trails, some shade
Other Trip Notes: Any weather conditions are possible. Dress in layers and put a rain coat in your vehicle.
Leaders: Howard Friedman (408) 808-6772, Vicki Silvas-Young (408) 807-6993
Loaner Binoculars Available, Family Friendly Ages 10 and up, Intermediate Level Birding
Meet: First parking lot on the left. It is one way. We'll meet at the end of the parking lot.
Directions: Meet: ranch house parking area near green barn and restroom
From US-101 exit Capitol Expy in San Jose and continue east for 1.7 miles, turn right onto Quimby Rd and continue for 7 miles. Turn right onto CA-130 E and continue for 0.2 miles. The park entrance is on the right. After passing through the park entry kiosk, continue into the park for about 300 ft. At the brown sign directing you to the park office and ranch, turn left into the parking area. Park near the restroom and green barn. Note that google maps “Ranch House Parking Area” will take you to a different location in the large parking lot. Latitude/Longitude: 37.337493, -121.716896
Driving Notes: Quimby Road winds up into the hills with some steep drop-offs and one short section of narrow road. As an alternative route, some people take Mount Hamilton Rd (Hwy 130) to the park.
Facilities: ADA accessible bathroom, cell coverage may be intermittent or non-existent
Parking Type and Fees: 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.