It certainly seems appropriate for Thanksgiving to share with you another installment of the Kinnelon Critter File. This time, it's the story of Wild Turkeys.
I bet you've noticed groups of 5 to 8 turkeys - sometimes more - foraging about through the forested areas, perhaps even trekking through your property. Earlier in the spring, I remember seeing an all-white turkey. I haven't seen her lately, but I'm sure she's about somewhere.
Per Wikipedia, Wild Turkeys are native to North America.It seems that in Kinney's time [i.e., early 1900s] the turkey population was as low as 30,000. Today, it is closer to 7 million birds.
Wild turkeys are omnivores, occasionally eating frogs and snakes. [I thought they only consumed nuts, grubs, seeds and berries...] Another interesting fact: did you know that turkeys' "heads and necks are colored brilliantly with red, blue and white. The color can change with the turkey's mood, with a solid white head and neck being the most excited." I think this refers primarily to male turkeys.
Another source of Turkey tidbits is Cornell University's All About Birds: Wild Turkey summary which includes a recording of turkey calls.
Did you know that Benjamin Franklin wished the Turkey were the national bird over the eagle? He considered turkeys more noble...
Happy Thanksgiving!
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2 comments:
I wonder how different our country would be if Benjamin Franklin had his way? Thanks for a fun Turkey Day post, Christine!
Certainly, calling someone an 'eagle' would take on a whole new meaning, as would being a 'turkey.'
Good luck with your gobbling contest and thanks for visiting, Elizabeth.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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