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, Paul Tebbel 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.
Paul Tebbel, has spent over 45 years watching, researching and learning about cranes. He studied Sandhill Cranes as an undergraduate in Michigan and researched Sandhill Cranes in central Ontario for his Masters’ Thesis. Paul managed National Audubon’s Rowe Sanctuary on the Platte River in Nebraska from 1995-2006. A familiar presence at the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival, Paul has also led field trips and given presentations throughout the western United States, including New Mexico’s Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache NWR.
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 a.m.
DIRECTIONS: From the North on Interstate 5, exit on Peltier Road and drive South on the frontage road two miles to Woodbridge Road. From the South on Interstate 5, exit on Turner Road and drive North on the frontage road one mile to Woodbridge Road.
This tour begins in the dark at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve NORTH UNIT parking lot, located 2 miles West of Interstate 5 on Woodbridge Road. Watch for the sign on your right. Be sure to allow extra time to arrive, as there may be morning rain or fog.
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
OTHER TOURS THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST: You may be interested in knowing that other Sandhill Crane tours are available during the fall and winter. For more information about California Department of Fish and Wildlife tours during the season go to this CDFW website. For information about Sandhill Crane tours through the Cosumnes River Preserve, click here.
Book this tour beginning September 2, 2025
REGISTER ONLINE: September 2 – October 30, 2025
NOTE: Tour guides will receive a list of customers who have registered before the tour.
LATE REGISTRATION: Customers who register online after October 30 must present a hard copy or phone display the email receipt to their tour guide at the time of the tour.
REGISTRATION AT THE FESTIVAL: Unsold tickets will be available during the festival and can be purchased on this website.
This map can be used to search for the best route to your tour from your current location. Drive time from Hutchins Street Square in Lodi, California to this tour is approximately 20 minutes.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHERE AND WHEN TO MEET YOUR GUIDE: Meet Paul Tebbel at 5:15 a.m. in the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve NORTH parking lot. After check in, you will drive a short distance on a gravel road to the shelter. Please park with your headlights facing away from the fence.
QUESTIONS REGARDING REGISTRATION: Contact the Registration Coordinator at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org or leave a message at (800) 581-6150. Notify the Registration Coordinator in advance if special accommodations are needed. Expect a response from the Coordinator within the week.
TOURS TAKE PLACE RAIN OR SHINE
CANCELLATION POLICY: Full refunds (minus a 3% processing fee) are available prior to a tour upon the customer’s request at tours@lodisandhillcrane.org. A full refund is automatically issued for any events cancelled by the festival organizers.
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