This outing is especially suitable for people with mobility issues.

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.

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 MDBA members of any birding level of experience, and especially suitable for those 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 at 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 back 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.

Leader: Matt Tarlach,
Hike Rating: 0. A few very short walks over flat terrain.
Meet: Carpool will meet at Heather Farm. If driving on your own, meet at 3:45 at the South Unit of Woodbridge Ecological Reserve
GPS for the meeting point: 38.15775478150474, -121.44355433233056

Trip goes rain or shine. The blinds are open and unheated, so dress to sit outdoors until after sunset, about 90 minutes.

There is room in the blinds for about 25 people but parking for only about 14 cars. Plan to drive with a friend, or to share a casual carpool with another member.

Due to the capacity limit and expected strong interest, this trip is for MDBA members only. Members may bring a guest; if you’d like to bring more than one guest please email the leader before booking. If you may bring children, please consider the need to sit quietly outdoors, on a cool evening, for over an hour.

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

Sign up at the link below. And if the outing is ‘Sold Out’, please join the waitlist! There are usually some cancellations from the early bookings:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/woodbridge-road-sandhill-crane-fly-in-tickets-1980437460757

(image of Sandhill Cranes by Sharon Anderson)