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Isenberg Crane Preserve (a.k.a. Woodbridge Ecological Reserve) - Site # 303 |
Beautiful sunsets behind Mt. Diablo and full-moon rise are a bonus on visits to this site. |
| Seasonal - these sites have high wildlife values during certain seasons, though they may have recreational value year-round. |
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Background: | This site is one of the most concentrated sites for greater sandhill cranes in California, it also hosts more than 30 reliable species of birds from Sept-early March. The road and site offer close viewing of cranes in feeding, loafing and roosting habitats. This site is among the few in the state affording close and reliable viewing of greater sandhill cranes. |
| Guided tours are offered from October through February by advance reservation. |
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The Habitat: | low freshwater marsh 55%
grassland 35%
flooded pasture 10% |
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The Experience: | The site is significantly and regularly used by Greater Sandhill cranes (state listed threatened species). Cranes at the site represent three subspecies of sandhill cranes, Greater, Lesser and Canadian. The site provides the rare combination of loafing and roosting habitat with close proximity to feeding areas. |
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Wildlife and Where to Find It: | A viewing mound on Woodbridge Road has interpretive panels and excellent views of numerous shorebirds and the nightly fly-in of sandhill cranes. |
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Viewing Tips: | Guided and unguided birdwatching tours are given at the reserve and along Woodbridge road from late September to early March. |
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Site Notes: | Open marsh, flooded pasture and grassland at site support greater sandhill cranes. A raised viewing mound (wheelchair accessible) is a one minute walk/stroll from parking. Nearby mature oaks provide roost for hawks and songbirds. Between late afternoon and early evening the 'Crane Fly-in' can often be seen as cranes fly into the surrounding flooded fields to roost for the night. The haunting sounds of the approaching cranes can be heard from miles off. Beautiful sunsets behind Mt. Diablo and full-moon rise are a bonus on visits to this site.
Isenberg Crane Preserve benefits from programs established by the Bureau of Reclamation's Central Valley Project Conservation Program (CVPCP) and the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Habitat Restoration Program. For more information, visit website and for information on endangered species click here |
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Nearby Viewing Sites: | Cosumnes River Preserve, Lodi Lake (natural area along Mokelumne River), Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Stockton Oxidation ponds, Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta |
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Festivals & Events: | Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival
Galt Winter Bird Festival
Ducks in Scopes at nearby Cosumnes River Preserve
Duck Days, Davis
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Visitor Information: | Lodi Conference & Visitors Bureau - (209) 365-1195 - http://www.visitlodi.com |
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: |
Staff On-site: | No |
Open: | Everday |
Hours: | Dawn to dusk |
Year Round: | Yes |
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How to Get There: | From Sacramento, take Interstate 5 south to Peltier Road. Go east 1/10 of a mile on Peltier Rd. to Thornton Road. Take Thornton Road south 2 miles from Peltier to Woodbridge Road. Turn west on Woodbridge Road and continue 2.25 miles to a posted driveway on left side of road. From Stockton, head north on Interstate 5 and exit on Turner Road. Go east 1/10 mile on Turner Road to Thornton Road. Turn north and go 1 mile to Woodbridge Road. Turn west on Woodbridge Road and continue 2.25 miles to a posted driveway on left side of road. Woodbridge Road continues for 6 more miles to the west and dead ends. Cranes and other wildlife can be seen along route. Look for safe shoulders - please do not stop your vehicle on the road. |
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Contact Information |
Managing Agency: | California Department of Fish & Wildlife |
Agency Site URL: | http://www.dfg.ca.gov/delta/cranetour/ |
Physical Address: | W. Woodbridge Road Lodi, CA |
Agency 2: | 4001 N. Wilson Way Stockton, CA 95205 |
Manager Phone: | (707)944-5531 |
Contact Us: | by Email |
Site Phone: | (209) 948-7708 | | |
County: | San Joaquin |
Addition Website: |
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