The Cranes of Cosumnes Preserve

It's that time of year again when the great cranes of the central valley ask us to come and support them in their off-season stay in the Central Valley's Bay Delta. Sandhill Cranes (Antigone canadensis) are among the largest and graceful birds in North America. And their "fly-in's" in the evening are famous among Wildlife photographers and Bird enthusiast nation-wide. We'll also learn a bit about How the Preserve was started and how many 'interest' make the Preserve the amazing nature experience that it is. In addition to the Cranes we'll also be looking for a whole host of other wild birds associated with the Delta including: White Pelicans, Cinnamon Teal, Northern Shoveler, Long-billed Dowitcher, White-faced Ibis, Bald Eagle, Ring-necked Duck and Wilson's Snipe, among others. At the end of our Birding adventure, we can go over to The Annual Crane Festival, https://lodisandhillcrane.org/about-the-festival/ in Lodi, CA to take part in the festivities there. The bonus for this trip is that at 1pm, I will be going back out from the Festival for an afternoon of birding out toward Staten Island, CA (no, not Staten Island, NY) which is west of Lodi. Their we will look for Snow geese, Rough-legged hawk American Avocet, Alutian geese, Tundra Swan, White-tailed Kite and Lincoln Sparrow among others. People are welcome to just come for the morning session and peel off before/during the festival, or join us just for the afternoon portion at Staten Island, or come for the whole day, your choice! But please let me know here in the comments what your plan is? That way I can plan accordingly. And FYI, if you have problems with Paypal, I also accept cash.
When and Where:
Saturday November 7th, 2026
7:30am - 9:30am morning session at Cosumnes River Preserve
1pm - 4pm afternoon session, leave from main entrance of the Crane Festival going to Staten Island.
4:30pm -5:30pm Woodbridge Rd. for Crane Fly-in.
What to bring: 2-layers, it can get chilly early morning and late afternoon.
I find fingerless gloves work well. Comfortable walking shoes. Most walking willl be level and easy. Binoculars if you have them. I will have a few loaners. If you want to bring cameras and/or field scopes that's perfectly fine. I will have my scope. A day pack. Water and snacks. There are plenty of places to purchase snacks and drinking water in-route.
Please bring a positive, open and curious attitude. There is no such thing as a dumb question.