Sandhill Crane Festival

Have been attending this event for over 5 yrs. They originally started out with speakers either studying/​photographing /​and or working in the species field. They also had guided tours to the various wetlands. And there’s the rescued bird discussion out on the patio. (of course i had to collect my t-​shirt & whatever other goodies they have for purchase). the evening fly in is a must see, but get there early if driving own vehicle (parking at site is a bit limited during prime time).

Every year tens of thousands of sandhill cranes descend on the small Central Valley town of Lodi, California. From September through March the cranes make themselves right at home in the grasslands and marshes, feeding on grains (mostly corn), fish, rodents, loafing around and flying to their evening roost. This fly-​in is what you have to experience. Watching a flock of graceful gargalers descend into a sunset-​lit field at dusk is utterly amazing.
General admission is free and (most) all the events that take place at Hutchins Street Square, including the kick-​off Reception, is free. Costs for the numerous nature tours vary, depending on the tour. We did the ‘Bald Eagle by Boat’ tour early Saturday morning. East Bay Mud Biologists took us to Pardee Reservoir (which is closed for the season) and out on a boat to spot bald eagles, golden eagles, loons, grebes, and red-​tailed hawks. At dusk, we went to the Sandhill Crane Preserve, lead by Department of Fish and Game Docents, to watch thousands of cranes converge on the marshland to roost for the night. The sunset behind Mt Diablo mixed with the vocalizations, feeding, and dancing of the cranes will be with me the rest of my life!
Sunday morning we got up early and went birding on the Delta. Our boat left Tower Park Marina and we cruised through the waterways for a couple hours watching for cranes, swans, geese, and ducks. We spotted a few Blue Herons and a horned owl asleep in a big pine tree. The sky above us darkened at times from the thousands of birds flying above. Totally AWESOME!
Whether you’re a beginning birder or advanced, this festival has something for anyone interested in birds, specifically sandhill cranes. Tours are suitable for most ages and range from canoeing to hiking, sitting in a boat, to learning bird photography. There is also a great Art Show, BBQ and Wine Tasting, and a chance to purchase birding souvenirs.
I’m already ready for next year already!!!