Although California’s Central Valley can be dreary during winter, the migrant Sandhill Cranes have an entirely different view of it. To them it’s paradise; as it boasts abundant food, a temperate climate and a suitable habitat. It has everything a Sandhill Crane could want. That’s why every September they hit the Pacific Flyway in droves, and head south to their winter nirvana – to the marshes and wetlands near Lodi, California. And although they have specific habitat requirements, they’re easy to find if you know where to look.

Consumnes River Preserve

Located between San Francisco and Stockton, just off Interstate 5, the Consumnes River Preserve (www.cosumnes.org) is an excellent place to spot the wintering cranes. It makes a great day trip from San Francisco or even a nice diversion on a longer road trip.

If you’re traveling south on Interstate 5, take the Twin Cities exit, turn east and drive for a mile until you reach Franklin Boulevard. Turn south on Franklin Boulevard, drive 1.7 miles and look for the visitor center on your left. Northbound traffic should take the Walnut Grove -Thornton Road exit, turn east on Thornton Road and drive for about  2 miles. You’ll spot the visitor center on your right, just after you cross the Thornton-Franklin Bridge.

There’s plenty of accessible parking in the upper lot next to the visitor center, and ramped access to the front entrance. Inside you’ll find a number of interpretive exhibits, along with an information desk. The building itself overlooks a wetlands area, and  there are also several accessible picnic tables on the deck.

Wetlands Walk

Directly behind the visitor center, you’ll find the trailhead for the Wetlands Walk. This one-mile loop begins with a boardwalk though the wetlands, then continues on a paved level trail.  There are several viewing areas along the way, and also a secluded accessible picnic table after the first boardwalk. Near the end of the loop, a half-mile boardwalk branches off to the right. It’s wide, level and nicely accessible, with a large viewing platform that overlooks the marsh. It’s an excellent place to spot Great Egrets, Northern Pintails, Red Winged Blackbirds, Turkey Vultures and — in season — Sandhill Cranes.

And if you just want to enjoy the boardwalk, but can’t manage the Wetlands Walk, there’s also accessible parking by the boardwalk next to an accessible pit toilet. This parking area is located north of the Visitor Center on the opposite side of Franklin Boulevard.

It should be noted that the rangers close the boardwalk at dusk, as it’s a favorite night roosting spot for the Sandhill Cranes. That said, the best time to visit this area is early evening, just before dusk, as it’s a beehive of activity then. Visitors are welcome to bring lawn chairs and just sit back and enjoy the show.

After the boardwalk, the Wetlands Walk winds  past one final viewing platform and returns to the visitor center. Alternatively,  if you’d just like to check out the last viewing platform, there’s also accessible parking and an accessible vault toilet in the lower parking lot at the visitor center. From there a level sidewalk leads across Franklin Boulevard to the platform.

Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

Another good place to get a look at the Sandhill Cranes is at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve (www.wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Woodbridge-ER ), which is located just south of the Consumnes River Preserve. To get there, follow Franklin Road south to Woodbridge Road, then turn east. The reserve is divided into two sites, across the street from each other.

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.