Birdathon 2026: Song Birds

PUBLIC 4 HOUR TRADITIONAL

Join us for the dawn chorus as we capture the sounds of the season at Henry Coe State Park (Hunting Hollow entrance) and nearby Coyote Lake County Park. We hope to see and hear Canyon Wren, Pileated Woodpecker, and staples such as California Quail. This will be slow-speed birding to listen and record audio of our local residents and migrants. While we focus on recording, you don’t have to—just come enjoy the 'ear-birding' experience and help us raise funds for SCVBA education programs.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, paved trails, gravel trails, packed dirt trails, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, little to no shade, some shade

Leader: Michael Hawk, [email protected]

Birding Intensity: Moderate

Meet Location: Henry Coe State Park Hunting Hollow entrance parking lot

Directions: From US-101 in Gilroy, exit Masten Ave. Travel east for approximately 1 mile towards the foothills. Turn right onto Center Ave, travel 0.4 miles, then turn left onto Rucker Ave. In 0.8 miles, turn right onto New Ave. Travel 1.6 miles then turn left onto Roop Rd. In 1.9 miles, turn left at the T-intersection and continue on Roop Rd for 1.3 miles. You’ll pass Coyote Lake County Park main entrance on your left. From here the road becomes Gilroy Hot Springs, and you’ll continue for 3.3 miles. Note that the road becomes narrow in places, requiring caution. The Hunting Hollow entrance is well marked on the right side of the road.

Latitude/Longitude: 37.075939, -121.466547

Facilities: Porta-potty, pit toilet

Parking: 530 Arastradero Rd. The parking lot can fill up quickly once the preserve opens at 8am. It is very popular on Saturday mornings! There will be some spaces reserved for volunteers at the back of the lot, but we cannot guarantee parking for latecomers. There is no street parking available along Arastradero Road or Page Mill Road.

Banner Photo: Canyon wren by Teresa Cheng

Questions? Email general questions to [email protected] or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.