Sandhill Crane Nature Journaling Field Trip with John Muir Laws near Sacramento

Prepare yourself for a primeval experience. Join John Muir Laws, Kate Rutter, and the SF Bay Area Nature Journal Club for a field trip to the Sacramento Valley in Northern California to draw and study the Sandhill Cranes that migrate to the area for the winter. We will meet at 10am at the Cosumnes River Preserve Visitor’s Center and explore wetlands through the morning. In the afternoon we will head to Staten Island Road to watch the fly-in of vast numbers of cranes before nightfall. Though the program ends at 4:00 PM, sunset will be at 4:45 PM, this is often a magical time with the cranes. Consider leaving yourself a little wiggle room in your schedule should you want to stay and sketch a little more.

Would you like some helpful tips on drawing cranes before you go? Check out this video tutorial by John Muir Laws and these three blog posts: basic crane lines, crane anatomy, and painting cranes in the landscape.

Bring your journaling supplies, a portable stool, binoculars, and a spotting scope (if you have one), PLUS a potluck lunch treat to share and your own bowl, spoon, napkin, and water. Bring a sun hat and a warm hat, and dress in/bring extra layers as it can be cold.

This is a fundraiser for the Wild Wonder Foundation. $25 suggested donation, no registration necessary. If rain is a possibility, check this meetup event on the morning of the event to see if the trip is canceled or diverted to another (dry) location.

Looking forward to seeing you and journaling the cranes!