We live in WA, where there are many turkeys. They are not indigenous to the region, though they have become very successful here. However, they seem to travel at some times of the year in large mixed flocks. And we have seen many displaying, sometimes 5 or 6 at once in our yard. Before he died our neighbor used to feed a hundred or more on his property. I think we may have George to thank for the many we have here.
A couple of years ago we had a snow that stayed, and I was able to identify a multitude of animals by their tracks. Then, as I was walking up hill on a gravel road and saw a large bird track I didn't recognize. No claw mark facing the opposite way to help a bird stabilize on a branch. Although I had neither seen nor heard turkeys locally, I called a friend who has more woodland than we do and asked if he had turkeys. Affirmative. Plus a book of tracks also confirmed what I had suspected. Identifying tracks from opossums to raccoons to weasels to coyotes, is a lot of fun.
Giving-Thanks to you, Diane, for sharing with us your sweet Observations/Studies/Great Photos/Love of Nature...All of it ~ And enriching our lives. Have a Love-and-Joy-Filled Day!
Thank you for the history lesson about the turkeys and for showing people what a normal turkey should look like. It's cruel what's been done to the domestic turkeys to produce more meat. I'm sponsoring one for Thanksgiving. She lives at the Gentle Barn, where she has no fear of becoming dinner.
Thank you for this post, I learned new turkey facts! In Minneapolis turkey flocks including adult males roam around parklands, riverlands and even occasionally urban yards foraging for acorns and other tasties. I also encounter them in all kinds of natural environments. They usually try to avoid people and head back into the woods when we cross paths. But in the city, on certain residential streets with bur oaks, drivers will wait patiently for turkeys crossing the road, and sometimes gently edge around a displaying tom in the middle of the street who is in a face-off with the whole line of cars. They are just gorgeous!
I rather envy you for your opportunities for closeups with struttin toms. I'm going to have to get myself into the woods before dawn, probably with snow on the ground and then wait to hear where their calls are coming from. It may be beyond my ambulatory abilities at the moment, but I'm going to give it a try next March.
I live in Waterloo and love reading your writings. Thank you.
We've had an abundant of turkeys in this area for several years. Sometimes 20-30 males and females together. Never any babies though. My neighbor has a bird feeder they come to. He also has a cracked corn feeder for the deer in which they partake also. They're mostly quiet. They will gobble if I yell at them. I'm sure they're here for the easy food. I'm ready for them to move on. Happy Thanksgiving. Dave
We live in WA, where there are many turkeys. They are not indigenous to the region, though they have become very successful here. However, they seem to travel at some times of the year in large mixed flocks. And we have seen many displaying, sometimes 5 or 6 at once in our yard. Before he died our neighbor used to feed a hundred or more on his property. I think we may have George to thank for the many we have here.
I am grateful for our long-time friendship; and the ways you share your knowledge of our feathered friends! Happy Holidays!
Happy Thanksgiving to you too, and to all of yours. And to the Wild Turkeys — long may they live!
A couple of years ago we had a snow that stayed, and I was able to identify a multitude of animals by their tracks. Then, as I was walking up hill on a gravel road and saw a large bird track I didn't recognize. No claw mark facing the opposite way to help a bird stabilize on a branch. Although I had neither seen nor heard turkeys locally, I called a friend who has more woodland than we do and asked if he had turkeys. Affirmative. Plus a book of tracks also confirmed what I had suspected. Identifying tracks from opossums to raccoons to weasels to coyotes, is a lot of fun.
Thank you for this post!
Thank you for familiarizing us with these amazing birds, and helping us remember they are sentient beings. Very apropos for this season.
Cheers Jeanne. Have a happy Thanksgiving.
The same to you, Diane! I am grateful in this season of gratitude for your writing at My Gaia.
Giving-Thanks to you, Diane, for sharing with us your sweet Observations/Studies/Great Photos/Love of Nature...All of it ~ And enriching our lives. Have a Love-and-Joy-Filled Day!
(That's EVERY Day!) :<)) Sue
Thank you Susan. Have wonderful day of thanks.
Thank you for the history lesson about the turkeys and for showing people what a normal turkey should look like. It's cruel what's been done to the domestic turkeys to produce more meat. I'm sponsoring one for Thanksgiving. She lives at the Gentle Barn, where she has no fear of becoming dinner.
Love that, Penny!
I'm glad you prefer your turkey on the hoof, as do I!
Thank you for this post, I learned new turkey facts! In Minneapolis turkey flocks including adult males roam around parklands, riverlands and even occasionally urban yards foraging for acorns and other tasties. I also encounter them in all kinds of natural environments. They usually try to avoid people and head back into the woods when we cross paths. But in the city, on certain residential streets with bur oaks, drivers will wait patiently for turkeys crossing the road, and sometimes gently edge around a displaying tom in the middle of the street who is in a face-off with the whole line of cars. They are just gorgeous!
I rather envy you for your opportunities for closeups with struttin toms. I'm going to have to get myself into the woods before dawn, probably with snow on the ground and then wait to hear where their calls are coming from. It may be beyond my ambulatory abilities at the moment, but I'm going to give it a try next March.
I live in Waterloo and love reading your writings. Thank you.
We've had an abundant of turkeys in this area for several years. Sometimes 20-30 males and females together. Never any babies though. My neighbor has a bird feeder they come to. He also has a cracked corn feeder for the deer in which they partake also. They're mostly quiet. They will gobble if I yell at them. I'm sure they're here for the easy food. I'm ready for them to move on. Happy Thanksgiving. Dave
I enjoyed this account. Thanks so much for posting it