Binoculars worth $1,700 stolen from Woodbridge Ecological Reserve

When Howard Larimer and Mamie Starr were cleaning up at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve last Tuesday, the two docents discovered that a small storage building had been broken into, robbed and left in a state of disarray.

Larimer and Starr, who lead tours throughout the reserve, discovered that 25 pairs of binoculars, recently acquired for children to look at birds such as the Sandhill crane that migrate to the area in the fall, as well as two spotting scopes and other items totaling $1,700 in losses, according to Larimer. The theft was reported to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office by David Moore of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Starr said. The sheriff’s department could not be reached for comment as of Monday.

“It is a crying shame. Through the Sandhill Crane Association, we were able to purchase some of the binoculars for kids to see the cranes. It’s very frustrating in that respect,” Larimer said.

With October heralding the beginning of crane season, the theft of the two spotting scopes comes at an especially unwelcome time for the reserve, a popular destination for those wishing to see the migratory birds.

“Starting in October, we give tours every weekend. Without the scopes, it’s difficult for people to fully appreciate them. The scopes make the experience special because of the specialized markings on the cranes that are hard to see without them,” Larimer said.

Besides losing the equipment, the person or persons responsible also left behind quite the mess as they helped themselves to refreshments, according to Starr.

“We have no idea who they are, but they made such a mess drinking hot chocolate and coffee,” Starr said.

Starr reported that the culprit or culprits consumed an unknown quantity of hot chocolate, coffee and possibly tea, stealing two plastic containers full of packets of the various beverages.

Starr said that the reserve is now attempting to recoup their losses by replacing at least one scope and some of the binoculars. Those wishing to help can send tax-deductible donations, flagged as “binoculars,” to the Lodi Sandhill Crane Association at PO Box 1616, Lodi, CA 95242.