Leslie Larson
November 2024 - It's a bad month for turkeys!
About the Image(s)
Every now and then a flock wanders through the yard. This time it was during mating season and the toms were strutting. Sadly, the flocks down in the valley where we live don't last long. There are too many predators who fancy a turkey dinner.
Canon EOS 90D, f/16, 1/250, ISO 640
This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted
Leslie, might be a bad month for turkeys but this guy is beautiful. Do they really roam free. The slight turn of his head and the amazing detail and color is super. Perfect framing also. Wouldn't change a thing. Posted: 11/04/2024 23:27:20
Yes, wild turkeys are one of few avian success stories. Their populations continue to grow while other bird numbers are crashing. This guy was in a group with several males vying for the females' attentions. How could they resist??
Next week I lead a hike featuring turkeys (I'm a volunteer naturalist for Boulder County) at one of the county properties known to have lots of turkeys. We probably won't see a one. Same thing happens when I lead a hike about rattlesnakes at what was once called Rattlesnake Mtn. Posted: 11/05/2024 17:18:58
Next week I lead a hike featuring turkeys (I'm a volunteer naturalist for Boulder County) at one of the county properties known to have lots of turkeys. We probably won't see a one. Same thing happens when I lead a hike about rattlesnakes at what was once called Rattlesnake Mtn. Posted: 11/05/2024 17:18:58
That's a really good head shot for this Tom. Head and neck are super crisp. He must have been pretty close! I'm surprised they're showing mating behavior this early, but...they're turkeys. Bright sunshine really brings out the iridescence in the feathers. Posted: 11/12/2024 00:47:48
you are right, they aren't in mating mode now...next spring they'll be at it again. I didn't mention when mating season is, I probably should have. Posted: 11/12/2024 14:43:08
I hope Leslie won't min me sharing a writeup and images that she wrote about turkeys. My wife and I found it extremely interesting. A stupid question Leslie. Is the turkey above in mating plumage or do the males always look big with all that color?
https://diynaturetravel.com/wild-turkeys/
Posted: 11/18/2024 22:45:14
https://diynaturetravel.com/wild-turkeys/
Posted: 11/18/2024 22:45:14
Never a stupid question. (Only stupid people don't ask questions, in my opinion.)
Turkey feathers are always iridescent, but the red wattles and snood are only that bright when they are courting. Also facial colors dull a bit when mating season is over.
Glad you enjoyed the blog bit. Posted: 11/22/2024 16:30:42
Turkey feathers are always iridescent, but the red wattles and snood are only that bright when they are courting. Also facial colors dull a bit when mating season is over.
Glad you enjoyed the blog bit. Posted: 11/22/2024 16:30:42
The face is great. It is a very dramatic pose. The feathers appear to be a little soft and with noise. Posted: 11/23/2024 04:40:32
My post disappeared. This is a great crop. A very colourful profile which shows the bird in great detail. Here in UK the no turkey votes for Christmas! Posted: 11/23/2024 16:57:56