Events

Lodi Sandhill Crane Association Board Meeting

Lodi Sandhill Crane Association Board Meeting

Want to get your kids involved in the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival? This tour is the perfect way to start. Join us at the Cosumnes River Preserve boardwalk where your family will have a chance to see waterfowl and maybe Sandhill Cranes through our spotting scopes.

If you have never had the opportunity to visit with Dr. Gary Ivey about Sandhill Cranes, you won’t want to miss this tour. Join Gary in a small group caravan around the delta to see cranes feeding in the fields and watch them during the evening fly-in.

Leave the driving to us. This tour combines a crane fly-in with birding on Staten Island, a premier Nature Conservancy/Conservation Farms and Ranches location, to learn what the birds already know - this is one of the best places in the Delta to spend the winter.

This tour has all the excitement of the other fly-in tours in the area, but visitors will be able to view the Sandhill Cranes (and other birds) from the comfort of a viewing shelter. Seating is provided and maps, charts, and pictorials are on display. Also, visitors will be treated to a presentation by Department of Fish and Wildlife docents.

The Woodbridge Ecological Reserve is one of the few locations where Sandhill Cranes consistently roost in the Delta. At dusk, in large groups that can number from several hundred to several thousand, the cranes converge on the South Unit’s flooded fields for the night. CDFW Docents will give a presentation on the cranes in a private viewing area.

Early morning fly-outs are special. If you have never experienced one, you won’t want to miss this. It is so peaceful at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve as the night gives way to scarlet colors in the east. Best of all, Paul Tebbel will be there to share his knowledge about Sandhill Cranes and answer your questions.

Bring your binoculars and enjoy a leisurely walk on flat ground through the old growth riparian habitat at Lodi Lake Nature Trail with a local birding expert.

Take a light morning hike along the lower Mokelumne River as it spills from Camanche Dam. Birding experts Liz West and Joanne Katanic will share their knowledge about the local landscape and help you scout 35+ species including bluebirds, night herons, several woodpecker species, mergansers, Osprey and other raptors.

If you are wanting to explore the Delta by boat, this is the tour for you. Cruise leisurely along the waterways of the California Delta through prime waterfowl licensed boat operator and a birder/naturalist.

Enjoy your drive through the Sierra foothills to Pardee Reservoir, where you will board a boat with East Bay Municipal Utility District naturalists and biologists. You will have a chance to see early season Golden and Bald Eagles, hawks and many local species.

Join us for a two and a half mile walk along the Mokelumne River levee on Staten Island to see how agriculture and migrating birds can live in harmony.  Staten Island biologists will highlight agricultural practices that enhance wildlife habitat. From the vantage point of the levee, which is not open to the public, you will see a wide variety of migrating birds in diverse settings. There will be opportunities to see cranes in areas where they feed.

Join Mary DuBose for an interpretive walk around this incredible preserve. You will likely see a diverse selection of ducks, geese, shore birds, raptors, and woodland birds. Sandhill Cranes are also commonly found along the edges of the marsh lands. This region was inhabited by the Miwok tribe prior to the arrival of European settlers and Mary will also share information about their culture.

This tour incorporates birding along the Mokelumne River, strolling through lush vineyards, handcrafted wines, and a picnic. Who could ask for more? Take this opportunity to visit one of the area’s fine wineries and learn about local species from local birding expert David Yee. Relax on the Heritage Oak Winery patio after an enjoyable walk.

This is your chance to see one of the most unique wetlands habitat in the Delta. You definitely will want to see the “Black Hole.” Trevor Carlson will meet you at the clubhouse for an introductory discussion before loading a small bus for a tour of the grounds. You will see areas of habitat restoration that have been specifically designed for Wood Ducks and Mallards.

All ages are invited to fold origami cranes during the Festival – just follow the trail of folded cranes to the tables! Also on Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

In this introduction to Sandhill Cranes, you will learn about their life history, behavior, migration routes, and why our California Delta is so important to cranes. This presentation repeats on Sunday at 11 AM.

Join Native Bird Connections for an intimate look at the behaviors, life experiences, and personal stories of several birds of prey. See hawks and owls up close and learn their unique stories. This presentation repeats on Saturday at 1:40 PM.

If you are wanting to explore the Delta by boat, this is the tour for you. Cruise leisurely along the waterways of the California Delta through prime waterfowl licensed boat operator and a birder/naturalist.

Get inspired and join artists from the Lodi Community Art Center to create your own mini painting on paper or canvas to take home.  Supplies and encouragement provided, open to all ages. Also on Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Welcome back Denis and James Kurata, who will perform this ancient form of Japanese music that has been a Festival highlight for 24 years.

While working on The Crossley ID Guide: Waterfowl, Richard Crossley decided to drive to the Arctic Ocean, northern Alaska, from his home in Cape May, NJ.  Told in a thick Yorkshire accent, with a uniquely British sense of humor, Richard will talk about his 16,000-mile adventure.  

Join Headwaters Kayak staff for an enjoyable paddle along the Mokelumne River. The tour will be guided by a local kayaking enthusiast and naturalist, MEF Fisher. This is a great way to enjoy a day on the water while you learn about the flora and fauna found along the Mokelumne River.

Join Native Bird Connections for an intimate look at the behaviors, life experiences, and personal stories of several birds of prey. See hawks and owls up close and learn their unique stories. This presentation is also at 10 AM on Saturday.

Join us at the family-friendly Durst Winery, where local birding experts will guide you around the mature rural landscape of mature trees, shrubs and perennials in search of local and migrating birds. This tour is made even more enjoyable because you will be savoring a glass of Cassandra’s vintage and complimentary cookies. Wine tasting after the tour on your own.

DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT, THIS TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED. Turner Road Vintners continues to be a destination highlight among Festival goers. Its innovative eco-friendly water reclamation ponds have created a natural habitat for a variety of birds. Wine tasting will be provided.

Sandhill Cranes communicate with each other in many ways, including dancing, body language, and vocalizations.  You will learn about crane behavior, including how to distinguish between dancing and aggression, and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate cranes in the wild.

If you are wanting to explore the Delta by boat, this is the tour for you. Cruise leisurely along the waterways of the California Delta through prime waterfowl habitat with a local licensed boat operator and a birder/naturalist.