Date: 11/16/25 12:52 pm From: Ryan L. via groups.io <ryanbirding...> Subject: [southbaybirds] SCVBA Field Trip Report: Agnews Historic Park - 11/16/25
You know summer is over in Santa Clara County when the rains arrive. Luckily, the rain held off this morning, so nine birders were able to explore Agnews Historic Park in Santa Clara. Many were new to the park or only found it because of the Painted Redstart that visited a while back. This urban park is the former site of a mental hospital and is home to many non-native trees, which bring in some interesting birds.
Many winter resident birds have arrived with the rains. The morning started with a flyover in V-formation of DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANTS heading south. We found winter visiting WHITE-CROWNED and GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS, RUBY-CROWNED KINGLETS, and AMERICAN GOLDFINCHES. There were many flocks of CEDAR WAXWINGS, of which several were found eating fruit and berries from trees. In the back of the complex, there were at least seven NORTHER FLICKERS feeding on the ground together. We found two beautiful HERMIT THRUSHES. The YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS were abundant, but we also found one TOWNSEND’S WARBLER. Towards the end of the trip, we found a RED-BREASTED SAPSUCKER in the “Painted Redstart” tree off of Palm Drive.
Overall, we found 28 species in three hours walking 1.25 miles. You can view the checklist here: https://ebird.org/checklist/S284809860. If you’re looking for an easy weekend birding location, I recommend this one.
Thank you, Melanie Barnett, for co-leading this trip with me.
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
