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Field Trip: Calero Reservoir

  • 37.186744, -121.775107 (map)

Please limit your sign-ups to 2 WEEKEND trips per month.

Before signing up for this trip, please take a moment to read our trip policies and view our liability waiver.

Western Grebe by Bilal Al-Shahwany

Calero Reservoir

Calero Reservoir is located in the rolling hills of south San Jose. We’ll poke around the edges of the reservoir looking for Western Grebes, Clark’s Grebes and Common Mergansers; scan the skies for Northern Harriers, Bald Eagles, and White-tailed Kites; and investigate the grassy areas and reeds for sparrows and other songbirds. Optional: Pack your lunch/snack. We’ll end the trip at the picnic area where we can eat while watching the tree swallows investigate the next boxes above us.

Optional: pack your own lunch/snack and we'll picnic together afterwards.

Trip Difficulty: 2 miles, dirt, muddy or possibly muddy after rain, rocky trails, uneven or rutted trails, little or no elevation gain, little to no shade

Other Trip Notes: Scopes are helpful

Leaders: Eve Meier (408) 569-9391 and Edward Rooks (408) 318-2485

Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 10 and up

Meet: Calero Boat Ramp Parking Lot

Directions: From US-101, exit Bailey Ave. Follow Bailey Ave for 3 miles to McKean Rd. Turn right onto McKean Rd. The boat launch area will be on your left in less than 1 mile. Alternately, from CA-85, exit Almaden Expressway south, drive about 5 miles, then turn right onto Harry Rd at the dead end. To the next left onto McKean Rd. The boat launch parking lot will be on the right in about 2 miles. Latitude/Longitude: 37.186744, -121.775107

Facilities: ADA accessible porta-potty, cell phone service

Parking Type and Fees: dirt parking lot, parking fees, $6 or Santa Clara County Park Pass

Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.