Specifications include, but are not limited to: As mentioned previously, CRER agricultural lands are farmed in a “wildlife-friendly” manner that benefits primarily wintering migratory birds such as Sandhill cranes and geese, and the spring-summer migratory Swainson’s hawk. Irrigation water that runs south off Field 2 may also provide water to Snake Marsh; habitat for a significant population of the giant garter snake. Post-harvest treatment of wildlifefriendly crops (e.g., row crops such as corn, or forage crops like alfalfa, oats, and wheat) is an important aspect of farming on the CRER for the full benefit of the land to be realized by wildlife. Sandhill cranes and geese often begin arriving at the Preserve around the time of the corn harvest; they do not eat standing corn, but they do forage extensively on post-harvest corn fields. Sandhill cranes and geese may also forage on feed crops, and cranes may feed on the first crop of alfalfa or winter wheat on a field. Swainson’s hawks frequently hunt for rodents that are disturbed by the harvesting of grain crops like alfalfa, wheat, and oats.
