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Today is the last day of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival as thousands of cranes return
The cranes' season runs from September to February
- SeptemberFish and Wildlife begins pumping water into the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve.
- Nov. 6The free Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival opens.
- Nov. 8The festival ends at Hutchins Street Square.
- FebruaryThe cranes typically remain in the area through February.
Source: CBS Sacramento
If you've been meaning to see the cranes, today's your last shot at the festival. The free, 28th annual Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival runs Nov. 6-8 at Hutchins Street Square, with exhibits, artwork and guided tours to the reserve. Today's event at the Wishek Amphitheatre runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thousands of sandhill cranes return to the Lodi area each fall, some from as far away as Siberia. Docent Jane Adams, who calls herself a "craniac," has been a docent with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the past 21 years. She says the birds often return to the same nesting areas year after year.
- Greater sandhill cranes: up to about 4 1/2 feet tall
- Lesser sandhill cranes: about 4 feet on average
- Active times: just before sunrise and around dusk
- Guided wildlife tours: some cost extra
$4day-use pass to watch the cranes at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve
Fish and Wildlife pumps water into the reserve to create roosting habitat for the birds.
Source: CBS Sacramento
