Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Lady Killer

Male Wild Turkeys display for females by puffing out their feathers, spreading out their tails and dragging their wings. This behavior is most commonly referred to as strutting. Their 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. They use gobbling, drumming/booming and spitting as signs of social dominance, and to attract females. Courtship begins during the months of March and April, which is when turkeys are still flocked together in winter areas.

Interestingly, I found this guy crossing the road at about 2:30 in the afternoon. There were at least 3 hens in the woods. He didn't mind me all that much, but protested as the audience grew to 3 cars and people getting out of them to get closer. I understand curiosity, it's just frustrating...





5 comments:

Montanagirl said...

Amazing shots! We have wild turkeys around here too, but I've yet to see a Tom display. Just haven't been in the right place at the time I guess.

Chris said...

Excellent post and wonderful pictures... I love the display game, funny to see!

Susan said...

Beautiful shots! A flock has been parading around in my yard for a couple of weeks. They are so fun to watch! I managed to get some decent shots last week that I posted, but had to take them through the window. If I come out, they put a distance between us. There have been as many as 5 Toms all strutting at once! What fun! Thanks
Susan

Eve said...

What a nice lookin feller!!!

Brad Myers said...

Great encounter and yes it does get frustrating when others show up. I am sure the tom didn't mind as he only had one thing on his mind, those dang turkeys are like men.

I really like the two from behind, they are very sharp and show the details in the feathers.