Ibis and Rice

We cycled along gravel & dirt farm roads and along the berms dividing rice fields. Canals zigzag between the fields, gates will release water into the paddies in early summer. Right now, they are preparing to plant… lots of tractor action tilling soil and tossing manure. This area surrounding Vercelli an Mortara is famous for growing rice. The local restaurant menus specialize in risotto (many types) and panissa (a special local rice dish) and several “rice” stores selling all kinds of rice - black, red, white - so many different kinds! Abundant water flow from the mountains makes this flat plain land perfect for growing rice, and for water birds. There are many herons, egrets, and flocks of ibis!