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2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 218-768-2402 |
Wild rice is an important waterfowl food in Minnesota. From early-May to late-November, ducks, geese and other waterbirds feed on the sprouting seeds, young shoots and ripe grains. However, waterfowl prefer the ripe grains and these are heavily fed upon in September and October.
Wild rice provides no spring protective cover for birds. However, as the plant grows out of the water in early-July, it gives good escape cover for waterfowl broods and molting adult ducks. Dense stands in the fall provide excellent cover for many waterbirds. Other marsh plants may provide more year round benefits to waterfowl, but during the fall migrating season, wild rice is preferred when abundant and available.
Wildlife species that commonly feed on this plant include ducks, geese, sora, American coots, blackbirds, deer, moose, beaver and muskrats.
