Ishxenta SP

Discovering Connections – A Focus on Birding in the San Jose Creek Natural Preserve

Birders (and everyone else) are welcome on this hike along the vibrant San Jose Creek Trail within Ishxenta State Park. Coast chaparral, Monterey Pine Forest, and Riparian habitats create an exceptional birding experience at this site! This easy-paced, two-mile round-trip hike affords multiple opportunities for observation of plants, wildlife, and birds. Expect to see hummingbirds, raptors, warblers, sparrows, and quail, and to learn about the connections between birds and local Indigenous culture. Check out past bird sightings on eBird here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L9077959. 

California State Park interpreters will lead participants along a designated trail with terrain that is mostly flat with some moderate incline along the way. The trail surface is hardpacked but uneven, winding through both sunny and shaded areas. There are no benches or other seating along the way. Potential hazards include poison oak and ticks. Participants are encouraged to wear long pants, bring hats, water, and their own binoculars. There are a few sets of binoculars available to borrow if you do not have your own.

Dates: Various, usually the first Friday of the month
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Leaders: California State Park Interpretive Staff – Amanda Preece and Violet Smith
Meet: Marathon Flats Parking, adjacent to the Crossroads Safeway parking lot (Check-in with State Park Staff required); Vanpool to Ishxenta State Park. Ages 10 or above. Car seats not permitted in van.
Tickets: Register on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/a-focus-on-birding-hike-in-the-san-jose-creek-2274249 72 hours in advance cancellation. Tickets are transferable at any time.

Rain or severe weather will cancel.