The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has some interesting weekend wildlife opportunities available for residents of the region, ranging from viewing cranes to trips to visitor’s centers. Following are a few January weekend events.

Sandhill Crane Wetland Tour at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

CDFW docent-led public tours are available to view greater and lesser sandhill cranes at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve outside of Lodi, West Woodbridge Road. Self-guided tours are also available and are enhanced with interpretive panels. For more information about tour times, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/regions/3/crane-tour.

Elkhorn Slough Ecological Reserve

Volunteer-led walks are scheduled every Saturday and Sunday, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Binoculars and bird books are available for the public to borrow at no cost. The visitor center and main overlook are fully accessible. The day use fee is $4.12 per person, ages 16 and older. Groups of five or more need to notify staff that they are coming and groups of 10 or more can request a separate tour. For more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/lands/places-to-visit/elkhorn-slough-er.

Guided Wildlife Tours at Gray Lodge Wildlife Area, 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley, 12:30 p.m. The 90-minute walking tour covers slightly more than a half mile through this premier birding spot that highlights migratory waterfowl and other wetland wildlife. Tours are canceled in heavy rain. No reservations are necessary for groups of less than 20 people. A $4.32 day use fee is required for visitors without a valid annual CDFW pass, or California sport fishing, hunting or trapping license. There is no additional cost for the tour. For more information, please call (530) 846-7505 or email lori.dieter@wildlife.ca.gov.