Wild Turkeys Passing Through
We often see wild turkeys near our house, especially in our back yard, which seems to be part of their regular route. Usually they come in flocks… yesterday there were several adult female turkeys and about twenty-four half-grown babies that are now about the size of a very large pigeon. The adults cluck to the babies the same way a hen clucks to her chicks, and the babies make a soft, constant chitter as they cautiously follow the adults. Usually a large male will lead the pack and another will bring up the rear, but we couldn’t see any of the big males this time.
Being very cautious
Mother standing guard
Mother turkey with some of her half-grown babies
Adult female turkeys with babies safely hidden in the bushes
The young turkeys follow single-file in a long line behind the adults
A quick retreat into the bushes when I got too close
Written by Shirley | Filed Under Enjoying Nature
Comments
Comment by Jennie:
This is so interesting. I have never seen wild turkeys before but somehow I thought they were really ugly birds. The turkeys in your pictures are beautiful! Thanks for sharing.
Comment by George Phillips:
Great pictures! I never see anything like that in my backyard. I saw a deer once about three years ago but that’s it. What is the pink flower in the second picture? It looks like something I have seen but I can’t name it.
Comment by Shirley:
Thanks so much for the nice comments. We really enjoy having the opportunity to see so much wildlife here. The turkeys were only introduced in this area a few years ago, but there are so many now we see them all the time. The males are huge and really impressive when they fan out their tails and stand guard over the rest of the flock.
The pink flower in the second picture is joe pye weed.
Comment by jams o donnell:
Wow I’ve never seen a wild turkey before. A wonderful set of photos.
Comment by momzoo:
That is just cool.
Comment by Rose:
Wonderful pictures. What a delightful place you must have.
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