Open Space

A coyote stands in the dried grass.

Coyotes in the Santa Cruz Mountains

Caitlin Dempsey

Coyotes thrive in Silicon Valley’s open space preserves, playing a vital role in local ecosystems. Learn where to see them and how to share the trail safely.

A great blue heron with wings raised in shallow waters on a sunny day.

Birding at Alviso Marina

Caitlin Dempsey

The levee trails between ponds A9 an A10 at Alviso Marina County Park are a great place to watch shorebirds.

A green heron on some light grey rocks with the water behind the bird.

Herons and Egrets in the Silicon Valley

Caitlin Dempsey

Egrets and herons are a familiar sight at many of the lakes and ponds found across the Silicon Valley.

Two small birds rest on the metal bar of a fence. An out of focus house is in the background.

Springtime Birds at a Horse Stable in Northern California

Caitlin Dempsey

Spring has sprung! A horse stable in Northern California is active with barn swallows, Acorn woodpeckers, and Brewer's blackbirds.