Sandhill Cranes at Cosumnes River Preserve!

The Sandhill Cranes Have Arrived!

Come join us to see the large, loud and awesome Sandhill Cranes at the beautiful Cosumnes River Preserve!

This event is perfect to explore the outdoors and learn about local wildlife and habitats.

Your host, Allison, was trained as a docent in 2020 and she’ll lead you on leisurely stops through the preserve.

We'll meet in the upper Visitors Center parking lot adjacent to the bathrooms. If you're running late, please walk across the road (west)to view birds near the water.

We’ll start near the Visitors Center, then drive to Desmond Road, then travel to Staten Island Road to see the cranes in the fallow rice fields! Optional lunch at Panera Bread at Delta Shores.

There have been road closues so please plan ahead to arrive on time. https:// www.cosumnes.org/visitor-center-hours/

Please being a hat, snacks, warm clothing, drinking water and binoculars!

The Sandhill Crane arrival marks one of the most exciting transitions of the year at Cosumnes. After traveling along the Pacific Flyway, these remarkable birds are settling into the Central Valley for the winter season.

Where Can You See Them?
There are several places around the Preserve where you may have the chance to spot cranes:

Around the Visitor Center
Explore the Wetlands Walk and boardwalk and keep an eye—and ear—out for cranes using the surrounding wetlands.

Desmond Road
Cranes can often be seen in the fields and wetlands along Desmond Road. Please pull completely off the road before stopping to watch wildlife.

Staten Island Road
The surrounding agricultural fields provide important wintering habitat for cranes. Visitors can view cranes from the public portion of Staten Island Road. Please respect private property and posted signs.

For the best chance of seeing cranes, look across the open landscape and wetlands around the Preserve, especially during the morning and late afternoon when birds are active.

A Few Crane-Watching Tips
Bring binoculars or a spotting scope.
Scan open fields and wetland areas for feeding or resting cranes.
Listen for their distinctive calls — sometimes you'll hear them before you see them!
Check the skies for groups flying overhead.
Give cranes plenty of space and avoid approaching or disturbing them.
The cranes are here, and their numbers will continue to grow as migration progresses.

Come experience one of the Central Valley's great wildlife spectacles right here at Cosumnes!

Please cancel if you can't make it so that you won't be marked as a no-show. Members with three unannounced no-shows will be removed from this group. Please update your RSVP if your plans change. 🌻