Topic: Wild Turkeys

[Patty S]

No, Wild Turkey isn't one of Oregon's wines, but they're all over the place here, in some areas of town!

On my way to a friends house today, I had to slow down for a turkey crossing, & LaRelle grabbed the camera out of my purse.

There were 6 hens & 4 toms making their rounds from yard to yard.
     

They can make short work of a flower bed, but they're amazing to watch!
     

LaRelle put the camera on zoom, & only got 1 shot of the huge Canna Lily as they passed it.
     

The Tom was so pretty when he flaired out his tail feathers, but whenever he did it, he wouldn't face us so she could get a decent picture!
     

I guess this is what he thought of the photo op!
     

[Dianna]

Those are fantastic pictures, Patty! Wow! 

Incidentally, "Wild Turkey" is a whiskey on the East Coast....

You won't have to look far for your Thanksgiving turkey, will you? 

[Jim]

My Dad see those he would be looking for his gun.  Turkey season is open in Tennessee.  I think it opened the first weekend in April.  The last time we visited, they cooked one he had got last year.  It was really dry.  I think I like the domestic turkey better.

That is some great shots.  I've seen them here on my way to work out in the fields but never in a neighbor's yard.  Most of the ones around here are gone shortly after you get a glimpse of them.

[sunsoaker]

Wow Patty! I spent 16 yrs. in Oregon (Salem area) and never once saw a wild turkey.  We were, however, overun with squirrels.  They used to hang feed bags for them in the trees at the Capital. Don't know if they still do that or not. I seem to remember you saying you don't see the squirrels too much where you are.

[Patty S]

I'm not sure when bird season is, but Dave gets a wild turkey every year & freezes it until Thanksgiving. You're right Jim, they don't taste quite the same as store bought turkeys do... (God only knows what they're fed!)

Barb, there are squirrels hanging out (in droves) in other areas of this small city, & of course they're really hated by the people who can't seem to get them to stay out of their gardens & bird feeders.  I have no idea why we're not bothered by them here... but I'm sure not complaining! We get deer, pheasants, vultures & quail on this side of town, but have never seen turkeys up here.  From what I've heard about the damage they can do & the messes they leave in their wake, I think I'm just as glad that we dont have them either!

We've always wondered what they do at our state Capitol...

They used to hang feed bags for them in the trees at the Capital. Don't know if they still do that or not.

I think you've probably just unraveled that mystery!
Those people seem to be pretty squirrely, so it wouldn't surprise me in the least if they're still spending all their time taking care of their little buddies!

[jv]

Turkey season here also but just too far to go. I used to hunt on the Canadian river in the Texas Panhandle with an Uncle back years ago. I don't eat much
turkey and most of the family doesn't care for it so I will let someone else take my tag . No use hunting and killing something I wont use. As for me if I hunt and kill it I am eating it no ifs or buts about it I don't believe in wasteful killing unless in self defense even then I will eat it if at possible.