Sandhill Crane Tours
Welcome to the Department of Fish and Game’s
Sandhill Crane Tours
at the Woodbridge Ecological
Reserve (a.k.a. Isenberg
Sandhill Crane reserve)
The Department of Fish and Game invites you to come out on a tour, in Lodi, to see the sandhill cranes while they are in the Central Valley for the fall and winter. The tour consists of viewing impressive cranes and other birds, hearing a presentation on sandhill cranes and their Reserve habitat, and seeing the fly-in of the cranes at a location that is only open during these special tours. Crane tours provide a unique and memorable experience, one that should not be missed. Please note that it is important to arrive on time at the starting time for drop-in tours listed below. Tour size usually ranges from 25 to 30 persons. In the rare event we have an unusually large contingent of participants, the first 60 persons to arrive will be given preference to visit the limited-access North Site viewing area. All persons, however, will be able to do some general viewing.
Crane Tour Details
The Woodbridge Ecological Reserve is divided into two parcels, known as the South Site and North Site. Tours meet about an hour and half before sunset at the South Site where guides meet attendees and give a presentation. Guides may take the tour group down Woodbridge Road via car caravan to see birds and other wildlife using the grainfields and marshes along the road. Afterwards, the guides will lead the tour to the North Site (this part of the Reserve is not open to the public and can only be visited by tour) where a viewing shelter and a port-a-potty are located next to the parking lot. Usually, this is where the tour stays to experience (on many tour days) the fly-in of the wonderous cranes.
- Directions to South Site (starting point for DFG docent-led
crane tours):
The Woodbridge Ecological Reserve / Isenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve is 30 minutes driving time from downtown Sacramento or 20 minutes from Stockton.- From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 south exit on Peltier Road. Turn left under I-5 to the frontage road which is Thornton Road . Turn right (south) on Thornton Road and travel 2 miles to Woodbridge Road. Look for sign “Phil & Marilyn Isenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve.” Turn right (west) on Woodbridge Road and continue 2.5 miles to a pullout on left side of road. This is the South unit of Reserve, our meeting area. The tours will begin here with docent introduction.
- From Lodi (or SF Bay Area via Hwy 12), Stockton, Los Angeles head north on Interstate 5 and exit on Turner Road. Go left (north) on frontage road which is Thornton Road 1 mile to Woodbridge Road. Look for sign “Phil & Marilyn Isenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve.” Turn left (west) on Woodbridge Road and continue 2.5 miles to a pullout on left side of road. This is the South unit of Reserve, our meeting area. The tours will begin here with docent introduction.
When are the tours?
Drop-In Tours to both South and North units of the reserve, open to all, are held the first three weekends of each month from October through the end of February, with exception of the Lodi Crane Festival weekend when tours vary throughout the weekend and require pre-registration. Drop-In Tours run about 2 – 3 hours in length straddling the time of sunset for that day. The “crane fly-in” occurs right around sunset when cranes are bedding down for the night. However, plan to come at designated time for a docent presentation and to enjoy cranes feeding in the fields as well. For detailed times and dates, see below.
| Sat Oct 4 5:30 pm Sun Oct 5 5:30 pm |
Sat Nov 1 5:00 pm Sun Nov 2 4:00 pm (end Daylight Sav.) |
Sat Dec 6 3:30 pm Sun Dec 7 3:30 pm |
Sat Jan 3 3:30 pm Sun Jan 4 3:30 pm |
Sat Feb 7 4:30 pm Sun Feb 8 4:30 pm |
| Sat Oct 11 5:30 pm Sun Oct 12 5:30pm |
Nov 7 – 9 Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival call (800) 581-6150 for info |
Sat Dec 13 3:30pm Sun Dec14 3:30pm |
Sat Jan 10 4:00pm Sun Jan 11 4:00pm |
Sat Feb 14 4:30pm Sun Feb25 4:30pm |
| Sat Oct 18 5:00pm Sun Oct 19 5:00pm |
Sat Nov 15 3:30pm Sun Nov16 3:30pm |
Sat Dec20 3:30pm Sun Dec21 3:30pm |
Sat Jan 17 4:00pm Sun Jan 18 4:00pm |
Sat Feb 21 4:30pm Sun Feb22 4:30pm |
Please note: If you are planning for a group of 15 or more it is advisable to call well ahead and speak to a program docent for best accommodation. The crane program number is (209) 948-7708 or email contact is CraneTours@dfg.ca.gov
How much does it cost to go on a tour?
Donations are the sole support for public service at the Reserve such as brochures, future interpretive panels, port-a-potty, and shelter maintenance. An $8 donation for each adult in your party is requested so we may continue to provide these public services..Docents will be able to take in checks payable to California Wildlife Foundation. We appreciate your support for this program.
Are children allowed on tours?
Tours are family oriented, so children are welcome to come.
Are pets allowed?
Pets are allowed as long as they stay inside a vehicle. Pets have the potential to scare cranes away, and also we want to respect those who do not like or may be frightened by animals.
How do I register for a tour?
Online registration is not currently available due to staffing issues. Participation is available on a drop-in basis. Please be prompt at starting time for tour dates indicated above.
Are tours Wheelchair Accessible?
These tours are wheelchair accessible. Viewing is adjacent to the parking lot and involves very little walking.
Are tours still conducted even when it is raining?
Tours go rain or shine. Cancellations are very rare and would only occur when weather is expected to be very extreme. The cranes exhibit animated behaviors during rain events so this time often makes for a very good tour experience.
Do you have to go on a tour to see the Sandhill Cranes?
The South site of the Reserve is open to the public, and you can visit it on your own time. We suggest that if you do go out to see the cranes on your own, to go further west on Woodbridge Road to see cranes feeding in surrounding farm fields (Woodbridge Road dead ends within 6 miles). Again, the sunset “crane fly-in” is a prime viewing opportunity during the fall / winter season. Please note: the North site of the Reserve which includes the crane viewing blind and port-a-potty can only be visited on a docent led tour. Please respect the no trespassing signs on the Reserve and other properties along Woodbridge Road.
Is there a lot of hiking or walking involved?
Our tours last approximately 2 hours. They involve very little walking. For the first hour the viewing of birds is done from a mound overlooking the South site or alternately from car travel on Woodbridge Road. You might want to bring a folding chair to provide an option to standing. For the second hour visitors follow docents by automobile to the gated North site where a viewing shelter, benches, and a port-a-potty are available. For a walking or hiking birding experience, contact Cosumnes River Preserve in Galt at (916) 683-1700. There is no trespassing into the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve / Isenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve or on the properties along Woodbridge Road.
Are there restrooms at the Reserve?
There are no restrooms located at the South site of the Reserve, but there is a wheelchair accessible port-a-potty available at the North site, which is only available by being on a tour.
Is the West Nile Virus a threat?
We are not aware of any cases of this virus in the Woodbridge area, but since mosquitoes use the wetlands along Woodbridge Road, we encourage attendees to bring bug repellent.
Are there other wildlife viewing opportunities?
Yes! See the following sites for suggestions:
Does Lodi provide any other places to visit?
Lodi’s revitalized downtown offers many movies, restaurants, and shops. A wide choice of lodgings and wineries make for a wonderful extended stay. Other great local places to bird watch include Cosumnes River Preserve, Lodi Lake Nature Trail, Reservoirs in the nearby foothills, and boating opportunities in the Delta. Please visit www.visitlodi.com for more detailed information.
Where can I get more detailed information about the Sandhill Crane?
DFG published a brochure about the sandhill crane, which includes the biology of the cranes, viewing tips, and other places in California to see them.
Still have questions?
Please feel free to call (209) 948-7708 or email CraneTours@dfg.ca.gov and a volunteer docent will answer your question as soon as possible.