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Rodeo Gulch Road |
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From an urban area of Soquel, this 5.8 mile road runs north up a valley through rural residential development, grassland, and oak woodland, and then climbs to a ridge and into extensive forest and oak woodland with some chaparral. These habitats support a nice diversity of birds. Birding is best on weekend mornings, when traffic is light, or after commuting hours on weekdays. At all times watch out for cars. Fine panoramic views from the upper portion of the road reward the explorer. From Hwy 1 take the 41st Ave exit and go north 0.3 mile to Soquel Dr. Turn left (west) on Soquel Dr and go 0.3 mile, then turn right (north) on Rodeo Gulch Rd. Reset your odometer to 0.0 here. There are few safe stops until you have gone about a mile. From there, use likely pullouts and bird from the roadside. Productive places are at 1.4, 2.0, 2.8, 3.7, 4.5 to 5.0, 5.3, and 5.7 miles. The coast live oak woodland from 4.3 to 5.3 provides fine birding in all seasons, and especially during spring migration. Fruiting madrone and toyon attract thrushes in late fall and winter. Black-throated Gray Warbler nests in interior live oaks near the upper end of the road, and Red-breasted Sapsucker is found in winter near the creek along the lower half of the road.
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