The Festival Exhibit Hall is open to all Festival attendees, free of charge, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, November 4th and 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 5th. The Hall houses commercial vendors, public agencies, non-profit agencies, education organizations and activities that focus on Sandhill Cranes, and the diverse wildlife and their habitats found in the Lodi area.

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.

Stop by for hands on exploration that gives people of all ages the opportunity to expand their knowledge … and have fun doing it. Jay Bell, former Lodi USD Science Specialist, shares his collection of artifacts and equipment to offer a closer look, and a better understanding, of cranes and their adaptations.

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.

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.

In this introduction to Sandhill Cranes, learn about their life history, behavior, migration routes, and the importance of the California Delta to cranes along the Pacific Flyway. Learn more about the California version of a great migration and the habitats that support this awesome, and very reliable, natural phenomenon.

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 noon to 3 PM.

With instant information as to where birds are precisely being found, identification apps for your phone that can immediately identify birds either by sound recordings or downloaded photos, and the ability to communicate with friends and other birders so easily, it's an easy statement to make.  But is the quality of birding truly better than in years past?  Are bird sightings as significant now as in the recent past?  David has been an active birder for over 50 years.  He will address this, using San Joaquin County and the neighboring areas from the coast to the mountains as points of reference.

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.