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Purple Martin by Carter Gasiorowski
PURPLE MARTINS AT THE CALERO BOAT LAUNCH
On early summer evenings, a magical event happens at Calero Reservoir where masses of swallows circle low over the field near the boat launch area, and sometimes Purple Martins descend from their dwellings high up in the mountains to join them. In June of last year, we saw 11 Purple Martins at this location, so fingers crossed! Since the swallows offer so many amazing photo opportunities, the trip will also have a photography focus to it. The first 15 minutes will be a short discussion on how to both identify Purple Martins and how to get in-flight photographs of them, then we'll walk the short distance to the area where they feed and wait for the birds to come to us.
Trip Difficulty: 0.25 miles, walking a short way from the parking lot to the gravel area below where the Purple Martins forage in the evening
Other Trip Notes: Bring binoculars, and a camera if you have one! Purple Martins are larger and fly slower than the other swallows, so they're a good introduction to spotting and photographing fast-moving birds in flight. No shade, so sunglasses/hat recommended.
Leaders: Carter Gasiorowski (408) 818-0839, Vickie Miyaoka (408) 644-8448 and Raminder Bajwa (650) 861-1439
Beginner Friendly, Family Friendly Ages 14 and up
Meet: The covered picnic bench at the end of the boat launch area. Latitude/Longitude: 37.186267, -121.775639
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. From CA-85, exit Almaden Expressway south, then in about 5 miles turn right onto Harry Road at the dead end. Immediately after, turn left onto McKean Rd, and the Boat launch will be on the right in about 2 miles. Latitude/Longitude: 37.186744, -121.775107
Facilities: Bathrooms, drinking water, cellphone service
Parking Type and Fees: Paved parking lot, $6 fee
Questions? Email general questions to fieldtrips@scvas.org or contact the trip leader for questions regarding the event.