Rice Farmers and Birdwatchers

The American Bird Conservancy posted this story on their Facebook page today and I thought it was a really intriguing idea. What if Oregon birders did "ride-alongs" at harvest time, working in collaboration with foresters and farmers to educate both sides about the impact on the land, and learn to understand each other better?

"The focus — weather permitting — is rice fields where farmers have agreed to let birdwatchers ride combines during the harvest and watch from harvested areas. Experienced birders help point out birds and answer questions."