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This county-owned open
space on the north edge of Soquel has grassland and scrub-covered hillsides,
and willows and live oaks along a small drainage. An hour’s birding here
offers a chance to observe several species that are hard to find elsewhere
on public lands near Soquel. It has mostly been birded in the winter season,
but it can be an interesting birding destination at any time of year. Sports
fields in neighboring Anna Jean Cummings Park are busy in spring and fall,
but closed to sports during winter, when they are attractive to some birds.
Directions. From Hwy 1 go north on Porter St
(which becomes Old San Jose Rd at Soquel Dr) for 0.8 mile. Turn left into
Anna Jean Cummings Park. To enter O’Neill Ranch, park near the playground
and continue walking west to the end of the park road (or drive to the end
of the road if the gate is open). The ranch is the unsigned natural area
just west of the playing fields. Various trails traverse it; take one going
south along the base of the slopes to reach some birdy scrub and a
willow/live oak riparian habitat.
Birds. This is a good place to see several
raptors, including Northern Harrier, White-tailed Kite and Merlin in fall
and winter. Look also for a variety of sparrows, goldfinches, California
Thrasher (often easy to find), Wrentit, Northern Flicker, California Quail,
and Say’s Phoebe. House Wren and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher are possible in the
fall and winter. Fruiting shrubs attract wintering American Robins, Cedar
Waxwings, Hermit Thrushes, and Purple Finches. Search the riparian corridor
for mixed flocks of insectivores and typical oak woodland species. In winter
check the playing fields at Anna Jean Cummings Park and adjacent Soquel High
School for flocks of Mew Gulls (often hundreds during stormy periods),
Killdeer, Western Meadowlark and Say’s Phoebe.
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