🕊️ Sandhill Crane Migration Patterns
Complete Annual Cycle: Lesser & Greater Sandhill Cranes | Including San Joaquin County & Lodi
Species Selection
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All Year
Population Information
Mid-Continent Population:
~1.3 million cranes (Record high 2023)
~1.3 million cranes (Record high 2023)
Pacific Flyway Population:
~35,000 cranes
~35,000 cranes
Rocky Mountain Population:
~27,000 cranes
~27,000 cranes
Selected Location Details
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Migration Activities
Breeding & Nesting (April-August)
Migration Stopovers
Wintering Areas (September-March)
Key Findings for San Joaquin County & Lodi
Lesser Sandhill Cranes
Duration: October - February
Activity: Wintering & Foraging
Population: Pacific Flyway Population (~35,000 total)
Key Sites: Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
Greater Sandhill Cranes
Duration: September - March (longer stay)
Activity: Wintering & Foraging
Population: Central Valley Population
Key Sites: Staten Island, Lodi area fields, Cosumnes River Preserve
Migration Timing
Arrival: Late September (Greater), Early October (Lesser)
Peak Numbers: January - February
Departure: February (Lesser), March (Greater)
Best Viewing: Dawn and dusk fly-ins/outs