About Sandhill Cranes
For millions of years the majestic and ancient cranes have played their part in nature’s intricate web.
Sandhill cranes winter here in the Central Valley each year. Some 15 crane species live in the world today,
two of which live in North America. Of the 15 species, 12 are endangered or threatened by extinction.
The greater Sandhill cranes that winter here stand five feet tall and have wing spans of seven feet.
These giant birds typically live 15 to 20 years in the wild, some over 40 years. They live their entire
life in and near wetlands, migrating to warmer clients for the winter and returning to their nesting area
each spring in northeastern California and southern Oregon. Each winter they return to feed, socialize
and roost together. It is the steady loss of wetlands that adversely affect crane survival all over the world.
The Sandhill Crane Festival was established to make the public, young and old, more aware of these
magnificent birds and the ducks, geese and shore birds that winter in the Lodi area. Only with
this understanding can the public appreciate and help conservation efforts.
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copyright 2008 Lodi Sandhill Crane Festival
