Sandhill cranes take flight as the sun sets on Woodbridge Road in Lodi. (Angelina Gervasi/News-Sentinel)

Enthusiasts flock to Lodi for bird-watching

The Lodi area is a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting everything from waterfowl to cranes to raptors.

We asked David Yee, noted birdwatcher and Audobon Society veteran, to give us his suggestions for birdwatching subjects and birdwatching locations in the area.

Six great birds to see in or near Lodi

Sandhill Crane

The Sandhill Crane is a large, elegant bird with a rich sense of cultural symbolism. In Asia, the Sandhill Crane reflects good luck and longevity, Yee said. "This is a beloved bird," he said.

The cranes winter in the Lodi area, especially the Delta. After that, they migrate north, usually in a process Yee described as "staging," moving sequentially depending on such factors as weather and their energy levels.

Northern Pintail Duck

This duck is found in the Delta and is favored by bird watchers and hunters alike, Yee said. It is considered a worthy quarry because it is agile and fast. This area is a premier winter locale for the pintail.

Tundra Swan

Large, with stunning white feathers, the Tundra swan winters in this area before heading north in the "staging" process that eventually takes the bird all the way to the northern climes of Alaska and Canada. There, the swans have only about a six-week period to build nests and have their eggs hatch. Then they begin the journey south again.

Swainson's Hawk

This hawk is known to travel all the way to Argentina for the winter, making it one of the few transequatorial migrants in the region. These raptors usually arrive in February and head south again in July.

Yellow-billed Magpie

Some say this sleek-looking bird should be the California state bird, as it is found in California and no where else. In contrast, the state's official bird, the California quail, is actually found in several others states and even other countries, said Yee.

Dave Quady, left, peers into binoculars hoping for a glimpse of the Common Grackle, a rare bird that has been sighted in Galt. (News-Sentinel file photo)

Though the the Lodi area is a stronghold for the Yellow-billed Magpie population, its numbers have been decreased by West Nile Virus.

Nuttall's Woodpecker

These birds are closely associated with Valley Oaks. They are considered an indicator species because they tend to reflect the general health of an area.

Where to watch

Some of David Yee's favorite places to watch birds in the area:

Isenberg Crane Reserve

Two miles west of Interstate 5 on Woodbridge Road. A splendid place to see Sandhill Cranes, Tunrdra Swans and waterfowl. (209) 948-7708.

Lodi Lake Park

Off Turner Road at Mills Avenue, Lodi Lake Park is known as the crown jewel of Lodi. Birding here includes the Swainson's hawk, wood duck, egrets and the nuthatch. (209) 333-6890.

Oak Grove Regional Park

Off Interstate 5 at Eight Mile Road, this site includes the acorn woodpecker, Canada geese, warblers and sparrows. (209) 331-7400

For more information

The Web site of the San Joaquin Chapter of the Aubobon Society, http://www.sanjoaquinaudubon.org, offers tips and suggestions for birders visiting the Lodi area.

David Yee also offers tips and tours for birdwatchers. He can be contacted via e-mail at davidyee@lycnet.com.