This open space park north of the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor comprises a large and diverse natural area within the urbanized core of Santa Cruz.
Directions. A north entrance to this park is at the south end of Mentel Ave, off Soquel Ave. A south entrance abuts the Small Craft Harbor, near the maintenance area along the harbor’s north entrance, west off 7th Ave. Several trails meander through the park.
Birds. The willow riparian and live oaks attract a variety of spring and fall migrants, including vagrant landbirds. Sparrows in fall and winter have included Swamp Sparrow. The wetlands include a tidal channel that attracts a few herons, and marsh vegetation that has Virginia Rail, Sora, and Common Yellowthroat. In the grasslands look for raptors (including Merlin) and other species of open habitats, such as swallows, migrant kingbirds, and wintering Say’s Phoebe. The row of tall eucalyptus and cypress trees along the western border of the park are good for Pygmy Nuthatch, and wintering Golden-crowned Kinglet, Townsend’s Warbler, and Brown Creeper. Winter-flowering eucalyptus trees attract numerous birds, sometimes including orioles, tanagers, or other rarities. Carefully check the plantings that surround the private residence at the park’s west edge for migrants and winter landbirds.