This ecological preserve is home to Sandhill cranes, tundra swans, geese & other birds.
One of CDFW's objectives is to maintain ecological reserves and marine protected areas intended to conserve unique, fragile habitats, which can function to protect and restore rare and threatened native species. The greater sandhill crane population has diminished in California to a point where they were listed as a threatened species in 1983. The Stockton delta wetlands (inclusive of the 353-acre Woodbridge Ecological Reserve) provide the largest area of freshwater marsh wintering habitat in the state, not only for sandhill cranes but for other waterfowl as well.
Sandhill cranes, Canada geese, snow geese, tundra swans, and many other birds use the reserve as their fall and winter home. Local residential birds include the red-wing blackbirds, black-shouldered kite and American kestrel, ring-necked pheasant, meadowlarks and other small songbirds.
The South Unit, which is open to the public, is located on the left side of the road. Accessible parking is located next to an accessible porta-potty, and there’s a short cement path out to a viewing area that overlooks a wetlands area. It’s a great vantage point to spot the cranes, and there are also a few benches there; however as with the Consumnes River Preserve, the peak viewing time is right before dusk. For the best daytime viewing, continue along Woodbridge Road, and look for the cranes feeding in the surrounding farmland.
The North Unit of the reserve can only be seen on guided tours, which are held on Saturdays from October to February. Advance reservations are required for the two-hour tours, which begin 90 minutes before sunset. The tours begin at the South Unit, where a docent gives a brief presentation. Afterwards, participants drive to the North Unit in their own vehicles, to view the birds from an accessible shelter. Since there’s very little walking involved, it’s a great option for wheelers; however slow walkers may want to bring a camp chair, if standing for a few hours is problematic. Tour reservations can be made on the reserve website, so make plans now to see the Sandhill Cranes this winter. But don’t tarry, because they’ll be on their way back north come spring.
Facilities: A portable toilet is available for use.
