TOUR DATE: Sunday, November 3, 2024

TIME: 5:30– 7:00 a.m.

DESCRIPTION: Early morning fly-outs are special. It is so peaceful at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve as the night gives way to scarlet colors in the east. The air is usually misty, and the wetlands are filled with ghostly figures. As the sun begins to rise, Sandhill Cranes begin their rattled calls. Then one of the leaders leans forward and dozens of cranes leap to the sky. Then more and more groups begin their flight to the surrounding fields to forage. Best of all, Dr. Gary Ivey will be there to share his knowledge and answer your questions. Depending on weather and the Sandhill Cranes, your group will do some roving along Woodbridge Road to watch them as they are feeding. The early morning can be foggy so drive carefully. Woodbridge Road is narrow with deep canals along some stretches.

LANDS PASS: A Lands Pass or hunting or fishing license is required for this tour. Click here  for more information about how to purchase a Lands Pass. You will be required to show your pass or license.

TRANSPORTATION: Participants drive their personal vehicles. You will be asked to carpool when we drive from the parking lot to the shelter.

CHECK-IN: Check in with your guide in the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve NORTH UNIT parking lot by 5:10 The tour will begin shortly.

NOTE: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS SATURDAY NIGHT It will be dark when you arrive at the parking lot. It would be good to have a flashlight with red lens for check-in. We will want to see your Lands Pass. Please help us so we don’t startle the cranes by keeping quiet, limiting your movements, and turning off the flash on your camera.

TO PRINT A SUMMARY OF THIS TOUR,CLICK HERE

REGISTRATION PROCEDURE: Choose an option and select the number of reservations you wish to purchase. No actual tickets will be issued. You will receive an email to confirm your reservation (Check your Spam Folder if you do not receive one) On the day of the tour your guide will have a list of participants and will check you in.

WAITING LIST PROCEDURES: If you try to register for a tour that is full, you may be given the option to get on a waiting list. The waiting list is limited to the first few customers who attempt to register. If space becomes available these customers will be notified by email that they have 48 hours to register for the tour. After 48 hours, the space(s) will be open for registration on a first come-first serve basis. This system is fully automated. Our volunteer staff will not be able to let you know if you are on the waiting list.

LATE REGISTRATION: If you register for a tour after the deadline, please bring a copy of your confirmation email to show your guide or show confirmation on your cell phone.

QUESTIONS ABOUT REGISTRATION: If you have questions about a tour or registration issues contact our Registration Coordinator at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org or leave a voicemail at (800) 581-6150. Please contact us at least two weeks prior to the tour if you need special accommodations. You will be contacted within a week.