Things to DoSunday, November 8
Today is the last day of the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival as thousands of cranes return
The Daily Stockton team
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.
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
- 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