Department of Fish and Game

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)

Two Sandhill Cranes in pasture

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.

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 to Peltier Road (or from Stockton, head north on Interstate 5 and exit on Turner Road). Go east to Thornton Road . Take Thornton Road south 2 miles from Peltier (or north 1 mile from Turner Road) to Woodbridge Road. Turn west on Woodbridge Road and continue 2.5 miles to a pullout on left side of road. This is our meeting area. The tours will begin here with docent introduction.

When are the tours?

Tours are held the first three weekends of each month from October through the end of February, with a few exceptions. Tours run about three hours in length. 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

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.

Sandhill Cranes in flight

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. If the weather is or expected to be very extreme, please the crane tour phone line at (209) 948-7708.

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. This road ends within 6 miles. 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 involve very little walking. Viewing of birds is done on a mound overlooking the South site, in a car, and at a viewing shelter where benches 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 Woodbrige 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 and a volunteer docent  will answer your question as soon as possible.