DESCRIPTION: Join this tour for an opportunity to photograph Sandhill Cranes and other birds in the early dawn. The tour is designed for experienced photographers with a basic knowledge of their camera (aperture, shutter speed and ISO). If you are interested in learning more about how to capture high quality images in low light and fog, with the challenges of early morning set ups, this is the tour for you. Your guide will cover topics such as composition and framing, the effects of lighting, birds and their early morning behaviors, and exposure selections. Come prepared with your camera, mid telephoto lens (100mm), telephoto lens (300-400mm preferred), and clothing appropriate for cold and wet conditions.
TOUR TIME: 6:00 – 8:00 a.m.
NOTE: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS SATURDAY NIGHT. This tour takes place during the harvest season. Large trucks and farm equipment will be on the road. Use extreme caution and be aware of your surroundings.
DIRECTIONS: Meet your guide on Saten Island Road where it intersects with Thornton/Walnut Grove Road. Look for the large grain mill/silos. Arrive by 5:50 a.m. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the tour. Delta roads can be dark and foggy at that hour.
Driving north on Interstate 5.
- Drive north 9 miles past the Highway 12/Lodi exit to the Thornton/Walnut Grove exit.
- Exit and turn left under the freeway.
- Drive west 3.5 miles to Staten Island Road and turn left. (You will know you are almost to Staten Island Road when you cross the Mokelumne River. If you cross the river for a second time, you went too far.)
- Drive south on Staten Island Road a short distance
- Check in with your guide at the Kiosk/information board across the street from the large grain silos 5:50 a.m.
Driving south on Interstate 5.
- Drive south 4 miles past the Twin Cities Road exit to the Thornton/Walnut Grove exit.
- Exit and turn right.
- Drive west 3.5 miles to Staten Island Road and turn left. (You will know you are almost to Staten Island Road when you cross the Mokelumne River. If you cross the river for a second time, you went too far.)
- Drive south on Staten Island Road a short distance
- Check in with your guide at the Kiosk/information board across the street from the large grain silos 5:50 a.m.
LANDS PASS : No Lands Pass is required for this tour
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.
TICKETS:
$45.00
Book this tour beginning September 3, 2024
REGISTER ONLINE: September 3 – October 26, 2024
NOTE: Tour guides will receive a list of customers who have registered by October 27, 2024.
LATE REGISTRATION: Customers who register online after October 26 must present a hard copy or phone displaythe 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 30 minutes.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
WHERE AND WHEN TO MEET YOUR GUIDE: Check in with your guide at the Information Kiosk across from the grain silo on Staten Road at 5:50 am. Plan extra time to arrive because it will be dark and possibly rainy, or foggy.
NOTE: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS SATURDAY NIGHT
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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