Bird Watcher Paradise -Sandhill Cranes Visit Sacramento River Delta

Day Trip to Woodbridge Ecological Reserve by Barbara L. Steinberg

Saturday was winding down. A perfect December day in the Sacramento Valley and along the Sacramento River Delta (or California Delta depending who you ask). Dry weather brings balmy days and very cold nights. It also means clear skies and stunning sunsets for birders who venture to the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve/Phil & Marilyn Eisenberg Sandhill Crane Reserve during the winter bird migration. A major stop along the Pacific Flyway, it's especially popular with the B-52s of birds, the sandhill cranes. Their annual visitation attracts birdwatching enthusiasts from around the region and world.

Thousands of sandhill cranes along with similar numbers of geese, swans,
ducks, and various shorebirds spend fall and winter months in flooded farm fields along Woodbridge Road off Interstate 5. Each day at sundown -- yes, you can set your clock -- the spectacle begins. And then there are those rare days where sunsets are matched by a full-moon rise. The sounds and sights are breathtaking. In the fading light, the cranes appear ghostly in the shallow water. They will spend the night feeding, resting and courting. Their frenzied dance -- jumping and wings spread -- is part of the display.

Self-guided visitations occur daily. The reserve, property of the California Department of Fish & Game, also has docent-led tours.These tours fill-up fast, so book ahead.

But whatever you do, don't miss this annual event. I've been many times -- the wow factor is always the same.

If you're really dedicated, morning visits can net you some spectacular views. Thank you to James D. Simon for this incredible YouTube video.

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