Autumn makes many people think of the holidays and family gatherings. Traditional
feasts this time of year often center on domestic turkeys served in a grand fashion. The domestic bird, raised in
large flocks, is quite different than its wild counterpart. Domestic turkeys have a reputation of being less than
brilliant, docile, slow moving creatures. The wild bird is the complete opposite of the culinary breed.
On a beautiful fall morning this week I found myself stopping my car for the
"turkey crossing" on Sherlock Rd. As I waited patiently I counted more than 30 turkeys taking their time crossing
the road from the creek back up the hill to their roosting spot.
Many of these big fellows I had seen in the spring when they
Many of these big fellows I had seen in the spring when they
were tiny chicks. One of the
turkeys looked like he may have escaped from some farmers pen. He stood out with his white feathers. Turkeys are
polygynous with males gathering and defending harems of five or more females. In some urban areas they have
become "pests", but here in the foothills they are just part of the wildlife we enjoy.
Introduced into California in 1877, the wild turkey has
spread throughout many portions of the state. Populations now occur from Humboldt and Siskiyou Counties south to
Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Diego Counties. More information at
http://danr.ucop.edu/ihrmp/oak50.htm
To contact Linda:
Linda Gast
www.hummingbirdmountain.com
www.mariposaspca.org
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