wild turkey

This tom was courting three hens on the front lawn.

Brookgreen Gardens. There is a substantial wild turkey population there.

The colors usually appear more muted, but the strong copper-colored sheen shows well in the sunlight. This species was introduced into this area in March 1969 using 14 "California hybrids" from San Luis Obispo County. These hybrid types originally came by crossbreeding one of the Arizona (M g...

of the Wild Turkeys. They look rather scruffy in late summer, but given the right light they still have some lovely iridescence.

Another tasty morsel not hunted on Sea Ranch is Wild Turkey. Although, I suppose compared to farm-grown turkeys, the wild ones are likely leaner, which also means drier and stringier meat. Like the deer, they are something of a garden nuisance in rural California. But properties on Sea Ranch for...

until Thanksgiving. I'm guessing it'll be hunting season soon. These, as well as Pheasants and a Francolins, were imported to the islands for sport. I saw this flock on a cattle ranch somewhere mid-island.

What an incredible bird!

I can't tell you how often they hurt each other but I imagine that the eyes can be damaged easily the way they go at each others head.

This was right after an 18 inch snow fall.

These two guys were at it for 20 minuets before I lost them into the forest.

This hen I've been told is doing this for her feathers. I've stopped trying to grow grass in this spot. lol

A garden visitor last April, but an upload in honor of tomorrows holiday, Thanksgiving. A good day to eat and relax, but I doubt if anyone around here will be thinking about last years harvest. lol

These ladies fought over this tom for quite a while. Thy just wouldn't leave him alone. From my observations they usual play hard to get.

You didn't think that was the last of the turkeys, did you? Since it's almost Saturday already, here comes my Saturday Fun shot for this week. What with the guilt-ridden look this turkey is giving me, I think maybe it's the turkey who's been pecking a heart into the bark of that pine tree. Not...

Here's that same big guy (see the loose feather?). Not so big after all once he starts to "deflate". I guess blowing yourself up big can wear you out, eh?

One of my brother and sister-in-law's neighbors puts out food for the wild turkeys. One day when we drove near that house a large flock of turkeys was making their way back from the feeders down to the road and into the woods, among them four big tom turkeys parading alongside one another to...

"What? Car coming? What's that mean?" Not the most intelligent birds. Maybe this gal was trying to form a one-bird 8th of March parade? But I seriously doubt whether she had a police permit for a protest parade on Highway 1 :eek!: Turkey crossing Highway 1, somewhere near Fort Ross.

Some ladies like a mud pack on their face, this one rather take a dust bath to groom her beautiful plumage.

And I'm not coming out until after Thanksgiving! This was the closest we got to the wild turkey that trip. They were being very wary. Probably wise the week before Thanksgiving, even if they were on a bird refuge. They might be more approachable after today. Happy Thanksgiving, those of you who...

The three males are showing off to the one female.

I had just returned to my car and started stowing my gear when a noise in the gravel of the parking lot on the other side of the car caused me to look up. This lone Wild Turkey slowly wandered out into sight and seemed unconcerned as I scrambled to get the camera out, turned back on and brought...

I was surprised to see these ladies here.

Wild turkeys is an introduced species in California, introduced intentionally as game. Some forms of vetch, such as "woolypod vetch", were introduced too, as a soil amendment cover crop. Woolypod is more winter hardy than the native purple vetch. Not sure which species is blooming...

Although he was not displaying, his beard gave him away.