Tour schedules are available.
The notice.
Tours set as sandhill cranes make return
By Matt Weiser - Bee Staff Writer Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, September 14, 2006
LODI -- Sandhill cranes are returning to their winter home in the Central Valley, and reservations are being accepted for tours at the Isenberg Crane Reserve near Lodi.
Considered the "crane capital" of California, the reserve hosts as many as 7,000 greater sandhill cranes, a threatened species.
The birds feed in the area during the day and return to the reserve at night.
The cranes range as far north as British Columbia in summer for breeding, and they mate for life.
Two-hour tours at the reserve are available from Sept. 24 through Feb. 25 on Sundays, as well as second Saturdays and second Thursdays of each month.
The tours begin 90 minutes before sunset, require little walking and are wheelchair accessible. Children are welcome. An $8 donation is requested for each adult.
Tour reservations may be made online at www.dfg.ca.gov/reg2/shcranetour/.
Reservations may also be made by writing to Crane Tours, Department of Fish & Game, 1701 Nimbus Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670.
Reservation requests must include three date choices, the number of people in the party, and a check for the donation.
For the latest crane tour information, call (916) 358-2869.
