Birding in Lodi: Not Just Sandhill Cranes
By Patrick Meeker
Those of us in the San Francisco Bay Area and its surrounding areas are blessed with a rich tapestry of bird life. But there are times we want to explore further than our regular patch in Tilden Park or Fort Mason, and one prime destination is Lodi, in San Joaquin County.
This year, our Birdathon auction is offering three separate prizes that can make a trip to the Lodi area even more memorable—a luxurious gourmet dinner there, a two-night stay convenient to downtown Lodi, and a sunset tailgate party while viewing Sandhill Cranes.
But of course, as we know, it’s all about the birds.
The annual Sandhill Crane migration is undoubtedly the main attraction of Lodi’s birding scene, drawing thousands of observers from far and wide. These majestic birds typically arrive in late fall and spend the winter feasting on cultivated grains and small larval insects among the shallow marshes before departing for their breeding grounds in Northern Canada. Watching them fly in by the thousands at sunset is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Other seasonal visitors include Tundra Swans, Snow Geese, and other waterfowl, making fall and winter the prime birding seasons. But Lodi also offers year-round species such as Wood Duck and Acorn Woodpecker. According to the latest eBird data, up to 350 different species have been documented in the Lodi area.
This wealth of species is largely due to Lodi’s variety of landscapes, including riparian forests, wetlands, and vineyards, which act as a magnet for both resident and migratory species, allowing visitors to see a wide array of birds in a relatively compact area.
Birders and conservationists have contributed to Lodi’s status as a birding hotspot, with the Nature Conservancy helping protect and restore habitat and local birders organizing the well-known Sandhill Crane Festival each year in November. Here are some of the area’s birding highlights:
Staten Island
Situated between the North and South Mokelumne River, this island is teeming with cranes, ibises, egrets, and Northern Shovelers. The Nature Conservancy manages this agricultural land primarily during the winter for these birds. The island’s harvested cornfields provide an abundant food source for the cranes.
Cosumnes River Preserve
The Cosumnes River Preserve offers an array of habitats from floodplain wetlands to oak forests. It’s a vital conservation area that provides shelter for thousands of migratory birds and a diverse ecosystem. Visitors can explore miles of trails and participate in guided tours. Learn more about the preserve and plan your visit at https://www.cosumnes.org.
Isenberg Crane Preserve (aka Woodbridge Ecological Reserve)
Dedicated to the late legislator Phil Isenberg, an advocate for environmental conservation, the Isenberg Crane Preserve is a key viewing spot for Sandhill Cranes. Each winter, the preserve becomes a haven for these birds, offering spectacular sunset viewings. Check the fields along the road for raptors as well as cranes as you approach the small parking lot area. The preserve is a testament to the importance of preserving natural habitats for migratory birds.
Mokelumne River
Birding along the Mokelumne River, particularly near the Lodi Lake area, offers opportunities to see riverine species. Kayaking along the river, available through rentals at the Lodi Lake boathouse, provides a unique perspective for birdwatching, including potential sightings of Belted Kingfishers and various species of ducks.
Lodi Lake
Lodi Lake remains an excellent birding location even in the summer, despite the presence of swimmers and picnickers. Its diverse habitats support species such as the Common Yellowthroat and even an occasional Lincoln’s Sparrow, offering a peaceful birdwatching experience amidst the activity.
Sandhill Crane Festival
Held annually in November, the Sandhill Crane Festival celebrates the arrival of the cranes with workshops, art exhibitions, and guided field trips to prime viewing locations. The festival began in 1996 and has since become a cornerstone event for birders and wildlife enthusiasts.
Heritage Oak Winery
While primarily vineyards and a winery, Heritage Oak Winery offers access to natural habitats on a trail through riparian woodlands to the Mokelumne River, and their event listings include occasional guided bird walks. It’s a great example of how commercial spaces can also support wildlife observation.
You can easily visit multiple Lodi hotspots in one day, such as combining a trip to the Cosumnes River Preserve and the Isenberg Crane Preserve. But why settle for just a day? Our Birdathon Auction prizes will extend a great day of birding into a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll remember for years to come.
Lodi Auction Prizes
Elegant Dining in Sandhill Crane Territory
Luxuriate over a very special dinner after a day of watching thousands of Sandhill Cranes, Tundra Swans, White-faced Ibis, and other wintering waterfowl. The Towne House Restaurant is in a warm and welcoming cottage, tucked on the property of the Wine and Roses Resort and Spa in Lodi, CA. Noted chef Bradley Ogden is the restaurant’s culinary director and the menu, which changes daily, focuses on regional, seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced from local farms as well as from an estate garden.
End your birding day with a luxurious dinner at the Towne House restaurant.
Don’t stress out driving home in the dark after your day of birding! Turn your outing into a relaxed two-weeknight getaway with a stay at this perfect 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Airbnb. It’s just two blocks from historic downtown Lodi , its breweries and tasting rooms, and the site of the Sandhill Crane Festival.
Avoid that tiring nighttime drive home with an overnight stay at this lovely Airbnb.
Sunset Tailgate Party for Sandhill Crane Viewing
Glenn Phillips, Executive Director of Golden Gate Bird Alliance, will take you and four friends to watch as many as 5,000 cranes settle in for the evening. While you wait, enjoy a tailgate party with hot beverages, local wine, and warm food.
Bidding for these and three dozen other unique auction prizes runs from May 5 through May 20, 2024. Click here to visit the auction site.