Almaden Valley birding

Birding in the Almaden Valley Santa Clara County, CA.

Pity the saltwater-deprived Almaden Valley; no ocean frontage, no bay, and (until fairly recently) scant attention from birders. Even so, over 240 species have been recorded. To view an annotated list, click on the Western Screech-Owl.

The area covered by the list extends from Blossom Hill Rd. in San Jose south to Calero Co. Park and Bailey Rd., and from Santa Teresa Blvd. west to the summit of Mt. Umunhum. It includes Almaden Lake Park, Santa Teresa Co. Park, Almaden Quicksilver Co. Park, New Almaden, Almaden Reservoir, Twin Creeks, Guadalupe Reservoir, and the entire length of Hicks Rd. To see a map, click here.

Almaden Valley Bird News - Recent sightings and upcoming field trips!

TOP 10 BIRDING SITES:

Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) Pond: On the east side of Almaden Expressway, just south of Blossom Hill Rd. Good for grebes, ducks, and other water birds. There is some interesting marsh habitat behind the pond, along the adjacent Guadalupe River. Goodies such as American Bittern, Hooded Merganser, Solitary Sandpiper, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker have been recorded on rare occasions.

Almaden Lake Park: Located on the east side of Almaden Expressway, just south of Coleman Rd. Good for geese, ducks, gulls, and maybe a shorebird or two. Egrets and Black-crowned Night-Herons roost on the island of vegetation in the middle of the lake. In winter this is an excellent place to study gulls, with Thayer's usually present in fair numbers. Winter rarities in recent years have included Red-necked Grebe, Ross's Goose, and Glaucous Gull. Under optimal conditions (hurricane-force winds, zero visibility, and a biblical deluge) saltwater species are possible. Past storms have produced Pacific Loon, Brown Pelican, and Surf Scoter. Watch for introduced Nutmeg Mannikins around the lake and farther upstream along Alamitos Creek. In spring the park can be good for Western Tanager and orioles.

Alamitos Creek: You can follow the trail upstream from Almaden Lake Park, or downstream from the parking area on Camden Ave. near Graystone Lane. Check the creek and streamside vegetation for Common Merganser, egrets and herons, Red-shouldered Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, and migrant landbirds. Vagrants are within the realm of possiblity in fall. California Thrasher and Rufous-crowned Sparrow inhabit scrub-covered hillsides along the trail.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park: Trailhead parking areas are near the bridge in New Almaden, at Mockingbird Hill (off Almaden Rd.at McKean), and at the end of McAbee Rd. Chaparral and oak woodland birds, Common Poorwill, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, etc. Miles of trails to hike and habitats to explore.

Jacque's Gulch: Area along Hicks Rd. between Alamitos Rd. and Mt. Umunhum Rd. The shady woodland in the canyon is excellent for owls at night, and in spring has 3 species of vireos, Western Tanager, and passerine migrants.

Mt. Umunhum (Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve): Take Hicks Rd. to Mt. Umunhum Rd., and follow the road up to the gate, where there is limited parking. From there you can hike the fire road on the left to the summit of Bald Mountain. Access to Mt. Umunhum itself is presently restricted, but you can keep walking past the gate until you reach the cease and desist signs. In spring watch for migrating warblers, Lazuli Buntings, and hummingbirds (the name Umunhum is derived from an Ohlone word for hummingbird). Ash-throated Flycatcher, Wrentit, California Thrasher, and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher are common in areas of chaparral. Rare Black-chinned and Sage Sparrows have been found on occasion. Glance skyward every now and then and you might see Golden Eagle or Band-tailed Pigeon. From the beginning of Mt. Umunhum Rd. you can also walk Woods Rd. into the preserve. Black-throated Gray Warbler is a summer resident of the oak woodland, and Varied Thrush is regular in winter.

Almaden Reservoir & Twin Creeks: The reservoir is good for Wood Duck, Common Merganser, Spotted Sandpiper (winter), Belted Kingfisher, swallows, and sometimes an Osprey. The best spot is at the creek inflow. Since parking is restricted along Alamitos Rd., use pullouts along nearby Hicks Rd. There is some nice riparian habitat upstream from the reservoir, between Hicks Rd. and the cabin area at Twin Creeks. In spring you should find an interesting mix of flycatchers, vireos, warblers, etc. American Dippers have nested under bridges at Twin Creeks and father upstream.

Guadalupe Creek upstream from Guadalupe Reservoir: This riparian area along Hicks Rd. is good for owls, flycatchers, vireos, warblers, etc. Best in springtime.

Santa Teresa Hills: Golden Eagle, Horned Lark, Rock Wren, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, grassland species. Access via Santa Teresa County Park.

Calero (Reservoir) County Park: On McKean Rd. south of San Jose. In spite of heavy use/misuse by watersports enthusiasts, Calero Reservoir is the best Almaden Valley locale for shorebirds. It also gets its share of waterfowl and raptors—White-tailed Kite and Golden Eagle are regularly observed here, and Bald Eagle is possible in winter. Rarities have included 3 species of loons, Barrow's Goldeneye, and Solitary Sandpiper. Most of the reservoir can be viewed from the parking area at the boat launch, but for a closer look at its eastern end (where some of the best habitat is) either park along Bailey Ave. and walk in from Mckean Rd., or follow the road from the park office past the stables to the levee.

American Dipper at Twin Creeks, John Mariani