Woodbridge Road & Sandhill Crane Fly-in

A very special trip arranged with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. At 3:45 PM we'll meet their volunteer docents at the South Unit of the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, near Lodi, where they will introduce us to the many waterfowl and shorebirds that winter in the area.

Then, about 90 minutes before sunset, we will move over to the blinds that overlook the roosting area for Sandhill Cranes. We'll be able to sit and watch as hundreds of cranes fly in for the evening. It's a spectacular event!

This trip is open to all, and especially suitable for birders with mobility issues. The platform overlooking the ponds at the South Unit---our first stop---is about 40 yards from the handicapped parking spots, up a short, accessible ramp. The blinds where we'll sit and watch the cranes fly in are also just a short walk over level ground from the parking spots. There are toilets at the South Unit (and I think the North Unit too, though I'm not sure.)

MDBA trip coordinator Matt Tarlach plans to drive a carpool to accommodate any member who doesn't want to drive this distance (Woodbridge Reserve is a little over an hour from Heather Farm), or drive home after dark. If you would like to ride with this group, please email ASAP after signing up, so he knows how many would like to join the carpool. We may rent a minivan or other vehicle, depending on what's needed.

Hike Rating: 0. A few very short walks over flat terrain.

Leader: Matt Tarlach, [email protected]

Meet: Carpool will meet at Heather Farm, in front of the Aquatic Center (not the building where we hold our meetings). If driving on your own, meet at 3:45 at the South Unit of Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

GPS: 38.15775478150474, -121.44355433233056

Trip goes rain or shine. The blinds are open and unheated, so dress to sit outdoors until after sunset.

There is room in the blinds for about 25 people but parking for only about 14 cars. If you're able to carpool, email the leader, and we'll get some carpools organized. Most of our field trips are open to the public but due to the capacity limit and expected strong interest, this trip is for MDBA members only.

There is no charge by MDBA for this event---including for the carpool, if needed. However, every attendee must have a Lands Pass from the CA DFW: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Lands-Pass

[photo of Sandhill Cranes by Sharon Anderson.]

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