Rice and Wildlife: Flooded Fields and Winter Birds

When the rice is harvested, many fields are flooded again, and the valley fills with ducks, geese and shorebirds. The California Rice Commission says the flooded fields now do the work of wetlands the valley lost. This page covers that and the best public place to watch.

Checked November 1, 2026

• 60%of the winter diet of 7 million+ migrating ducks and geese, per the Commission
• 230wildlife species in rice fields, per the Commission
• 95%of California’s wetlands lost over time, per the Commission
• 1 million+waterfowl at Gray Lodge each year, per CDFW

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• Why Flooded Fields
• Gray Lodge Wildlife Area
• Snow Goose Festival
• Before You Go: Check These
• Questions People Ask

Why Flooded Fields Matter

• The Commission says rice fields provide 60 percent of the winter diet for more than 7 million migrating ducks and geese.
• It says 27 vulnerable and threatened species live in rice fields year-round, including the giant garter snake, western pond turtle, greater sandhill crane and tricolored blackbird, and that rice fields are home to 230 species.
• It says that over time 95 percent of California’s wetlands have disappeared, and that salmon are expected to double in weight when feeding in winter-flooded rice fields.
• Its Rice 101 page says many farmers reflood after harvest to break down straw and to give migrating birds habitat.

Gray Lodge Wildlife Area

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) manages Gray Lodge, about 9,200 acres of wetlands, grassy fields and wooded riparian areas surrounded by farmland. Per CDFW:

• Address: 3207 Rutherford Road, Gridley. Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
• Anyone 16 or older needs a CDFW Lands Pass before arriving, and all visitors register on site.
• More than 300 species of birds and mammals, and more than 1 million waterfowl each year. Peak visitation is October through February, when visitors stay in their vehicles on the 3-mile auto-loop.
• Public nature walks run Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p.m., October through January, weather permitting, about 90 minutes. Naturalist office: (530) 846-7505.
• Dogs on a leash of 10 feet or less. No e-bikes or drones. Parts may close in winter from flooding.

See our place page: Gray Lodge Wildlife Area.

Snow Goose Festival

Chico’s Snow Goose Festival and our birding guide cover the winter bird season. Check the festival page for dates; we do not type them here.

Orchards and rice fields are working private land. Look from public roads and pullouts, keep out of the rows, and never block a farm gate (general guidance). Bring binoculars and watch from the road or the wildlife area.

Questions People Ask

Why do birds like rice fields?

The California Rice Commission says flooded fields give ducks, geese and shorebirds food and habitat, and that rice fields supply 60 percent of the winter diet of more than 7 million migrating ducks and geese.

Where is the best place to see them?

CDFW says Gray Lodge Wildlife Area hosts more than 1 million waterfowl a year, with peak visits October through February.

Do I need a pass?

At Gray Lodge, anyone 16 or older needs a CDFW Lands Pass, per CDFW.

More in Agriculture

• Agriculture Home
• Rice Country
• Richvale
• Rice and Wildlife
• Almond Country
• Walnuts, Prunes and Other Crops
• Paradise Apple Orchards
• Rancho Chico Farming History
• Chico State University Farm
• Farmers Markets and Farm Stands
• Farm Year Calendar

Sources

1. California Rice Commission, home page: https://calrice.org/ (checked November 1, 2026)
2. California Rice Commission, Rice 101: https://calrice.org/rice-101 (checked November 1, 2026)
3. CA Fish and Wildlife, Gray Lodge Wildlife Area: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Gray-Lodge-WA (checked November 1, 2026)