ベイエリアのトレイル Coyote Hills Regional Park – Bay Area Trail

2024年11月1日 Birds

Having explored several spots on the west side of the Bay Area, or the Silicon Valley side, I decided to venture to the opposite side. The eastern shore can be reached via three bridges. You can also travel by land via San Jose, though it’s a bit farther. Incidentally, all these bridges are toll bridges, with no charge when crossing eastward, but a $7 fee when returning west.

Among the points on the eastern side, Coyote Hills Regional Park and Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Fremont feature expansive hills (or mountains?) unlike the Silicon Valley side, raising expectations. This time, I explored Coyote Hills. Note that this area has paid parking, and you’ll need to purchase a $5 parking ticket at the entrance.

White-tailed Kite flying at Coyote Hills in autumn — One thing I noticed shortly after starting the walk was the high density of raptors. The White-tailed Kite stands out with its white plumage and hovering behavior.

Northern Harrier flying at Coyote Hills in autumn — Northern Harrier. I can’t distinguish it from the Eurasian Marsh Harrier found in Japan.

Distant view of a group of Wild Turkeys walking across hills at Coyote Hills in autumn — Looking down from the hill, I noticed a massive group of birds…

Group of Wild Turkeys walking across hills at Coyote Hills in autumn — They were Wild Turkeys. I saw several family-sized groups wandering around the park.

Black Phoebe perched on a branch at Coyote Hills in autumn — The matte black of the Black Phoebe has a refined look.

California Scrub-Jay perched in a tree at Coyote Hills in autumn — A California Scrub-Jay carrying an acorn in its beak.

Oak tree laden with many acorns at Coyote Hills in autumn — These acorns are abundant everywhere. Food won’t be a problem for a while. There’s also an incredible number of ground squirrels.

Group of Wild Turkeys resting in the shade at Coyote Hills in autumn — Another group of Wild Turkeys was resting in the forest.

Chestnut-backed Chickadee coming to drink water at Coyote Hills in autumn — Descending into a greener valley, I found a gathering of small birds. Chestnut-backed Chickadee.

Golden-crowned Sparrow coming to drink water at Coyote Hills in autumn — Golden-crowned Sparrow.

Lesser Goldfinch perched on a branch at Coyote Hills in autumn — Lesser Goldfinch.

Lesser Goldfinch drinking water at Coyote Hills in autumn — It was happily drinking water.

Coyote Hills offers not only well-maintained trails but also stunning views. While I don’t have photos this time, it’s definitely worth a visit, even beyond birdwatching.