Turkey Trot

In spring, wild turkey (Melagris gallopavo) thoughts turn to "love." About the time the robins return to our area, another bird begins to make its presence known. Spring is a great time to view turkeys as they rely on fields to provide strutting zones and food sources. Courtship of wild turkeys generally begins in March and April, although gobblers may start gobbling in late January or February. Spring courtship peaks in April with gobblers competing to attract hens.

So where did the turkeys go last winter? Turkeys will often form large flocks during the winter and limit their daily range to areas that provide the cover and food needed to survive the winter (wintering grounds). If you are lucky enough to know of a wintering ground you may notice the gobblers maintaining contact with the hens, but they are still segregationists. Often limited food sources or adequate roosting sites create a situation where both hens and gobblers have to share resources. Sometimes the males will lag behind or stay on the flanks of a large flock (as seen in the photo).

As spring approaches these flocks will undergo what is know as spring breakup. At this time the turkeys will separate into smaller flocks and the hens will move to potential nesting areas. Where the hens go, the gobblers will follow. This is the best time to listen for the thunderous gobbles that we all love to hear!

Today's photo is of a flock of turkeys photographed in early March within the Buffalo Creek Watershed, Washington County, where WPC is conducting a watershed study and conservation plan.