Education

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. Meet with him at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve SOUTH UNIT for an orientation and then travel along Woodbridge Road to view the Sandhill Cranes. This roving tour will eventually end up at the Cosumnes River Preserve or other location to watch for the evening fly-in. If you are looking to increase your knowledge about Sandhill Cranes in a small group setting with the opportunity to ask questions, this tour is for you.

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. The fly-in here typically numbers into the thousands, with both Greater and Lesser Sandhill Cranes. In addition, ducks, geese, Tundra Swans, Great Blue Herons, egrets, and numerous other bird species may be viewed. 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 for all skill levels. Bring your binoculars and enjoy a leisurely walk on flat ground through the old growth riparian habitat on the Lodi Lake Nature Trail with a local birding expert. Learn the basics or hone your skills in identifying the many birds that reside in or frequent this outstanding area, which is also home to other species, including deer, beaver, fox, possums, and turtles.

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.

NEW – 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. Bring a sack lunch, if you like, and have a picnic after the tour.

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 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 a local birding expert. Relax on the Heritage Oak Winery patio after an enjoyable walk. If you are lucky, the hummingbird feeders will be buzzing with various species.

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. Native Bird Connections will bring several live, non-releasable birds - possibly a Red-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Eagle Owl, and others.

Get inspired and join artists from the Lodi Community Art Center to create your own mini painting on canvas to take home.

Click on this selection to see workshops available during the Festival.

Welcome back Denis and James Kurata, who will perform this ancient form of Japanese music that has been a Festival highlight for 23 years. Taiko drumming originated in Japan hundreds of years ago and is now performed all around the world.

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.

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. Have fun in your quest to expand the bird list crafted especially for this tour. This tour is made even more enjoyable because you will be savoring a glass of Cassandra’s vintage and complimentary cookies. Bring your lunch! Wine tasting after the tour on your own.

Obi Kaufmann, best-selling author of the California Field Atlas, is Saturday’s keynote speaker.  In his artful yet analytical work, Obi explores the transformation of California’s resource landscape, from its ancient origins to its modern challenges and future possibilities.  Heightened with lyrical prose and supported by well-sourced science, Obi demonstrates how we can learn from the deep ecological past to uncover truths about the potential future of California, including the Sandhill Crane and biodiversity in the Central Valley and California’s Delta.  

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. Native Bird Connections will bring several live, non-releasable birds - possibly a Red-tailed Hawk, Eurasian Eagle Owl, and others.

Dr. Gary Ivey will talk about the Sandhill Crane populations that breed and winter in California and the broader Pacific Flyway.  He will discuss the migration routes, wintering, and breeding areas of the 3 subspecies that use the state.  He will speak about their behavior and biology and also their conservation needs in the Flyway and the California Delta.

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. Meet with him at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve SOUTH UNIT for an orientation and then travel along Woodbridge Road to view the Sandhill Cranes. This roving tour will eventually end up at the Cosumnes River Preserve to watch for the evening fly-in. If you are looking to increase your knowledge about Sandhill Cranes in a small group setting with the opportunity to ask questions, this tour is for you.

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. Explore this key link on the Pacific Flyway and learn why its management is considered a model in conservation partnerships.

NEW – 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 families. If you have never been to Stone Lakes, this is a great way to get acquainted.

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. The fly-in here typically numbers into the thousands, with both Greater and Lesser Sandhill Cranes. In addition, ducks, geese, Tundra Swans, Great Blue Herons, egrets, and numerous other bird species may be viewed. 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.

Serious birders won’t want to miss this walk through the Tall Forest at the Cosumnes River Preserve. Dr. John Trochet, a well-known field ornithologist, will lead you deep into one of the finest riparian habitats left in California. There you will see a rich variety of up to 90 resident and seasonal bird species.

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. The beauty of early misty mornings in the Delta are unmatched. You’ll be reminded of a Robert Frost poem. Sandhill Cranes begin their day as the sun starts to rise and you’ll want to be there to see it. Best of all, Dr. Gary Ivey will be there to share his knowledge and answer your questions. Depending on weather and the Sandhill Cranes, your group will also do some roving along Woodbridge Road to watch them as they are feeding.

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.

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.

Join a local naturalist and fifth-generation viticulturist, Aaron Lange, on a rare walking tour of their wildlife habitat areas and adjoining vineyards, where you will see a variety of bird species and possibly even Sandhill Cranes moving overhead. 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.