Friday 14 April 2017

Twitterpated turkeys

They are into their herd. The males (toms) prance around, showing off their stuff. It's called 'strutting!' They drag their wings on the ground, and sweet talk the hens.
They hang out with the females in the winter yards. After mating, when spring is truly here, the females go off and make a nest in the leaves and lay their eggs. The ton's job is done!

They can lay 3 - 17 eggs. All About Birds says they eat vegetation, but they scratch around the bottom of trees, and eat insects, too. They are omnivores.

I saw a hen escorting about a dozen of her chicks across the back yard one year in summer. Too quick for a photo, as they are vulnerable to predators, and they know it.





This was a video I shot in 2011, right out the door. Our grass isn't green, yet, in April, 2017!
wild turkey courtship from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

12 comments:

Anvilcloud said...

Going up to 15 today. We should all be out strutting ... so to speak.

Olga said...

Spring is in the air.

Nancy J said...

They are bold and beautiful, strutting as if their life depended on it. And, the next generation, does just that. I wonder how the ladies really feel when they see all those tail and wing feathers so arranged for a great showing off. Have a peaceful Easter. XXX

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
who needs David Attenborough when you have live vision?! YAM xx

Christine said...

neat video, it's mating season all right!

Red said...

The toms can be vicious. They will chase you and by god you will run!

Jenn Jilks said...

You are right, Red. They can be. I make sure I startle them or chase them when I see them. That keeps them from getting over friendly or bold!

Powell River Books said...

That's a great video of the male courting the females. You sure do get lots of wildlife in your yard. - Margy

William Kendall said...

They are fun to watch.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Twitterpated is a great word ... and perfect description of these none-too-bright guys!

Lowcarb team member said...

Great video.

All the best Jan

Kay said...

OH MY GOSH! So MANY turkeys!