You can meet at the Los Gatos Birdwatcher at 8:00 am, or meet at
the trip location by 8:30 am. Walks end by 10:00 am. These two
hour Saturday walks are open to all who are interested in birding. If
the forecast calls for an 80–100% chance of rain in Los Gatos, the trip cancels. Unless you have a county or senior parking pass, some locations require a parking fee. A reminder to our location will also be found on the store’s phone message.
DEC 8, 15, 22 No walk during busy holiday shopping month.
DEC 29 Kevin Moran Park, 12415 Scully Ave., Saratoga.
JAN 5 Call the store Friday night for location.
JAN 12 No walk. All Day Tour to Merced National Wildlife Refuge (more info).
Tours below require a reservation, please call the store to save your spot,
408-358-9453.
Merced National Wildlife Refuge
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12
7:45 AM – 4:00 PM
The Merced National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 10,258 acres of wetlands, native grasslands, vernal pools, and riparian areas. It was established in 1951 under the Lea Act to attract wintering waterfowl from adjacent farmland where their foraging actvities were causing crop damage. In the last few decades, changes in local agricultural practices and Refuge management activities have reduced these wildlife/crop issues. The Refuge plays host to the largest wintering populations of lesser Sandhill Cranes and Ross' geese along the Pacific Flyway. Each year more than 20,000 cranes and 60,000 arctic-nesting geese make the Refuge home for six months. Here they mingle with thousands of other visiting waterfowl, waterbirds, and shorebirds—making the Refuge a true winter phenomenon. Fee: $70 (includes transportation, gas, entrance fees. Tip to driver is separate). Waitlist only.
