Sat. Feb. 1, 9am-12pm
This large regional park in Fremont (East Bay, north of San Jose) has everything: extensive cat-tail marshes, grasslands, hills and woodlands. It also has an outstanding Visitors’ Center, with dioramas and large frescos depicting birds, wildlife and Native Americans in ancient times. As a result of the different habitats, Coyote Hills teems with birds of all kinds. These include hawks, woodpeckers, shorebirds, ducks, owls and many songbirds. Frequently found are Green-wing and Cinnamon Teal, herons, egrets, White Pelicans, harriers and White-Tail Kites. Songbirds include warblers, thrushes, sparrows, Marsh Wrens, Western Bluebirds and Red-wing Blackbirds, among many. Great Horned Owls are resident and occasionally seen hiding in the eucalyptus trees. Walking is about 1-2 miles, mostly flat, with an occasional hill. Good landscape and bird photography. Species usually total 30-40 for a morning. Directions from Oakland: take 880 south to the Dumbarton Bridge (84) exit, then right a short distance to the Paseo Padre Parkway exit (turn before the bridge!) The park entrance is less than a half mile ahead on the left, at Patterson Ranch Road. Meet at the parking lot at the Visitor’s Center (found at the end of the park entrance road). Parking fee.