Morning Sandhill Crane fly-outs are a special experience. As the sun rises, haunting images appear through the mist and dim light. The cranes begin to stir and vocalize. Then, some unseen signal is given and hundreds of cranes lift into the sky. Even on a foggy morning, this aerial ballet is an experience to remember. If the weather is inclement, you will enjoy the comfort of a covered shelter and an enclosed room with maps and other interpretive information.
The Woodbridge Ecological Reserve NORTH UNIT is closed to the general public, making it a unique experience. This tour is ideal for those who want to enjoy a few hours with nationally renowned crane expert Paul Tebbel. You will be up close and personal with the biology and natural history of the cranes through observation, enriched by Paul’s sharing of his 40 years of experience.
LANDS PASS REQUIRED: All participants are required to carry a current Lands Pass, fishing, or hunting license. Go to https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/lands-pass for more information about how to purchase a Lands Pass. You will be required to show your pass or license at that time. For more information about CDFW tours during the season go to this CDFW website.
TOUR TIME: 6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
DIRECTIONS: This tour begins in the dark at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve NORTH UNIT parking lot, located 2 miles West of Interstate 5. Watch for the sign on your right. Be sure to allow extra time to arrive, as there may be morning rain or fog. Meet your guide at 6:30 a.m. 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.
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, chick here.
TICKETS:
Adult: $45.00
Book this tour beginning September 5, 2023
Tour guides will receive a list of customers who have registered by October 28, 2023.
Customers who register online for a tour after that date must show the guide a hard copy or phone display of the email receipt. The receipt may go to your spam folder.
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
This tour begins in the dark at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve NORTH UNIT parking lot, located 2 miles West of Interstate 5. Watch for the sign on your right. Be sure to allow extra time to arrive, as there may be morning rain or fog. Meet your guide at 6:30 a.m. 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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