Birding

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.

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. The cranes determine end times for evening tours.

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.

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 paid workshop and field trip is focused on Nature Journaling. With guidance from John Muir Laws and his Wild Wonder Foundation, explore new ways of looking at nature while recording your observations in words and images. Following the workshop, apply the techniques of nature journaling in an exploration of the Lodi Lake Nature Area, a unique riparian resource on the Mokelumne River in the heart of Lodi.

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.

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.

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.

Join Lodi Boathouse staff for an enjoyable paddle along the Mokelumne River. The tour will be guided by an experienced boathouse staff member. 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.

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.

NEW THIS YEAR! Anyone who is interested in knowing more about how modern zoos contribute to conservation of endangered species and rehabilitation of injured wildlife will find this tour fascinating. Children of all ages will enjoy a leisurely stroll around Micke Grove Zoo, which is part of a large regional park.

THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO SEE COSUMNES RIVER PRESERVE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. Since this is a small group tour, you will have open conversations with the Preserve's biologists and get all your questions answered. The Cosumnes River Preserve is the finest Valley Oak riparian forest and wetland in California.

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is home to over 200 species of birds and is a roosting area for Sandhill Cranes. Join a local guide who will lead you along the Blue Heron Trail as you explore this magnificent wildlife sanctuary. The tour is tailored to nature lovers, beginning and intermediate birders, photographers, and children.

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. Experienced docents will highlight the history of Staten Island and its partnership with the Cosumnes River Preserve.

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. The cranes determine end times for evening tours.

This 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. You will meet at Staten Island.

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.

If you would like to improve your photography skills while capturing the beauty of wild birds, this is the tour for you. Join Jim Dunn for a morning foray at the Cosumnes River Preserve to discuss equipment options for wild bird photography and learn some of the key skills and techniques to get good photographs. You will have a chance to practice your skills at one of the best birding areas in northern California.

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.

This paid workshop and field trip is focused on Nature drawing. With guidance from John Muir Laws and his Wild Wonder Foundation, explore new ways of looking at nature while recording your observations in words and images. Following the workshop, apply the techniques of nature drawing in an exploration of the Cosumnes River Preserve .

Join your guides on a rare walking tour of model wildlife habitat areas and adjoining vineyards, where you will see a variety of bird species and possibly even local mammals. The tour will culminate in a visit to the family winery where adults can peruse the many fine vintages that have been personally nurtured by the family from the soil to the bottle. Wine tasting on your own.

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.

A volunteer naturalist will guide you to areas that are best for viewing. The species you might see include Swainson’s Hawks, Red Tailed Hawks, American Kestrels, Red-Shouldered Hawks, and many others. Be sure to bring your binoculars and scopes. Over 250 species of birds frequent the Cosumnes River Preserve during the year, so no mater what, you will have a day to remember.