Sandhill Crane Tours
Join Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge staff for a spectacular viewing of the sandhill cranes as these beautiful birds stop at the Refuge during their annual migration south.
Year after year, the cranes never disappoint our BirdFest crane tour participants! This is a rare opportunity for the public to visit an otherwise closed area on the Refuge. A short (~400 yards) walk along an unimproved path leads to a viewing blind where the sandhill cranes can be observed feeding, preening, and resting on their Ridgefield NWR roosting grounds.
All tours begin at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge "River S" Unit parking lot. A tour van will take you closer to the observation blind. Tours last approximately 2.5 hours, rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
SUNSET TOURS
The sunset tours observe flocks of cranes flying overhead and landing at the roosting area for theevening. Sunset tours begin at 4:30 pm on Friday, October 10 and Saturday, October 11.
Cost is $25 per person.
SUNRISE TOURS
Sunrise tours observe cranes as they wake and take flight for their daily feeding grounds. Sunrise tours begin at 6:00 am on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12.
Cost is $25 per person.
SUNSET TOUR AND DINNER PACKAGE
For a special evening, book the sunset tour and dinner package on Sunday, October 12. After spending an enchanting sunset viewing the sandhill cranes, you will complete your evening with a wonderful dinner at the Pioneer Street Cafe in Old Town Ridgefield. The dinner features good wine, good food and conversation. Vegetarian entrees are available by request.
Cost is $60 per person.
RESERVATIONS
Reservations are required for all Sandhill Crane Tours. Space is limited to 25 people per tour. Reservations may be made, beginning September 1, 2008 by
downloading registration form here or by contacting:
Cathi Wright at cathi_wright@fws.gov or 360-887-4106 X 30.
Photos by Roger Windemuth
