(September 20, 2016) That time of year again! Rice harvest is underway.
Rice prices are at historic lows, but quality appears to be very good this year. This will be a nice harvest.
The side benefit to rice harvest is rice that is lost to the harvester. What is lost to the harvester and left on the ground is a major food source for the Swainson’s hawk’s favorite prey (meadow mice). If these rodents fatten up on the leftovers (that is, unharvested rice) they’d have bigger, healthier litters. That will likely result in more food for raptors. Chief among them, of course, for Conservancy purposes, is the Swanson’s hawk.
Oh, and California rice IS the most delicious in the world for people as well. Looks like everyone wins!
