Events

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 and watch them during the evening fly-in.

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.

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. Best of all, Paul Tebbel will be there to share his knowledge about Sandhill Cranes and answer your questions.

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.

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.

All ages are invited to fold origami cranes during the Festival – just follow the trail of folded cranes to the tables! Also on Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

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 presentation repeats on Sunday at 11 AM.

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. This presentation repeats on Saturday at 1:40 PM.

Get inspired and join artists from the Lodi Community Art Center to create your own mini painting on paper or canvas to take home.  Supplies and encouragement provided, open to all ages. Also on Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Welcome back Denis and James Kurata, who will perform this ancient form of Japanese music that has been a Festival highlight for 24 years.

While working on The Crossley ID Guide: Waterfowl, Richard Crossley decided to drive to the Arctic Ocean, northern Alaska, from his home in Cape May, NJ.  Told in a thick Yorkshire accent, with a uniquely British sense of humor, Richard will talk about his 16,000-mile adventure.  

Join Headwaters Kayak staff for an enjoyable paddle along the Mokelumne River. The tour will be guided by a local kayaking enthusiast and naturalist, MEF Fisher. 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.

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. This presentation is also at 10 AM on Saturday.

DUE TO LOW ENROLLMENT, THIS TOUR HAS BEEN CANCELLED. 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.

Sandhill Cranes communicate with each other in many ways, including dancing, body language, and vocalizations.  You will learn about crane behavior, including how to distinguish between dancing and aggression, and many other details that will help you better understand and appreciate cranes in the wild.

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 TOUR IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR REGISTRATION A tranquil Lodi Lake and the meandering Mokelumne River provide the rare opportunity for Crane Festival participants to enjoy a leisurely sunset patio boat ride. Join a local naturalist as you glide along viewing the lake's verdant scenery, resident birds, and wildlife.

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.

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.

If you have never experienced an early morning fly-out, you won’t want to miss this. 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.

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.

All ages are invited to fold origami cranes during the Festival – just follow the trail of folded cranes to the tables! Also on Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Gabe Kerschner with Wild Things! returns with some of their special animals for this fun and educational program.  In past years he has shared a mountain lion, brown bear, raccoon, Golden Eagle, Barn Owl, rattlesnake, and other rescued animals that could not be returned to the wild. This presentation repeats on Sunday at 1:40 PM.

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 presentation is also on Saturday at 10 AM.

Get inspired and join artists from the Lodi Community Art Center to create your own mini painting on paper or canvas to take home.  Supplies and encouragement provided, open to all ages. Also on Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Sandhill Cranes are secretive when nesting, but with current technology cranes can be seen on and around their nests without being disturbed.  For the past 3 years, two Sandhill Crane pairs were observed nesting in the Yampa Valley, Colorado, via a livestream camera. Video captured predator attacks, the parents changing places on the nest, unison calling, eggs hatching, and chicks in and near the nest.

Join master carvers from the Pacific Flyway Decoy Association to learn how to carve a bird from wood. All the necessary materials, including a study guide and carving knives, will be provided.

Gabe Kerschner with Wild Things! returns with some of their special animals for this fun and educational program.  In past years he has shared a mountain lion, brown bear, raccoon, Golden Eagle, Barn Owl, rattlesnake, and other rescued animals that could not be returned to the wild. This presentation is also on Sunday at 10:30 AM.