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.

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. As an added treat, keep an eye out for spawning salmon as they complete their journey from the Pacific Ocean!

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.

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.