LODI, Calif. — Every year, bird watchers flock to the wetlands of Lodi to witness the annual migration of the Sandhill cranes. The migration is part of the Pacific Flyway, which draws thousands of cranes southward from the chilly landscapes of Canada and Alaska to their winter sanctuary in the Sacramento Valley.
The path these birds take has inspired bird watchers for generations. Jane Adams, a docent for the Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival, says the annual journey is a tradition passed down through generations of Sandhill cranes.
“The young birds are born up north. They migrate down here with mom and dad. Migration is a learned behavior. It’s not innate,” Adams said.
The Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival celebrates this natural wonder, offering over 50 tours for bird watchers, photographers and nature enthusiasts to experience the migration firsthand.
“I can’t emphasize enough for me how fortunate we are to have these birds here in California,” Adams said.
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This migratory species holds a special significance in the bird-watching community. Known as one of the oldest avian species, Sandhill crane fossils date back some 9 million years, tracing migration routes that have remained largely unchanged.
“If it’s like it was last weekend, we should probably get about 1,000 that’ll come into just this area alone,” said Mami Starr, another passionate docent.
Photographers like Doug Ridgway come prepared with high-powered lenses to capture the birds' intricate feather patterns.
“I’m looking for good light to where I can see the details of feathers,” he explained.
But even the best equipment doesn’t guarantee a perfect shot.
"They’re wild animals," said longtime guide Howard Larimer. “People sometimes come on these tours expecting that they’ll see cranes, and they may or may not.”
As the sun sets over the marshlands, bird watchers have found creative ways to enjoy the ambiance of the cranes, whether through the lens of a camera or simply with a glass of wine in hand.
“Even with us in the foreground, you can hear the birds in the background. That’s half the experience,” said Randy Baxter, another crane enthusiast.
With their distinctive calls filling the air, the Sandhill cranes offer an experience both rare and breathtaking.
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