Longtime readers will know that one of my workplaces is home to a large flock of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). Today, when I arrived at work, one of the male turkeys was in full 'Thanksgiving card' mode, trying to impress the lady turkeys with his impressive plumage:
From the back, one can see the 'architecture' of the tail display, with its prominent radiating quills:
The post title takes its name from the Spanish word for turkey, which is based on the generic name for the peacock. Sir Alec Issigonis, the designer of the Mini Cooper, famously said "a camel is a horse designed by committee." I would assert that a turkey is a peacock designed by committee- it has a sleek, subtly colored body on which a grotesque vulture head is grafted.
I'm hoping the mating season lasts a while, because it is comical to see these birds puffed up in such dramatic fashion. They are a picturesque addition to this charming spot, especially when they strut about in such fancy dress.
~15 years ago I knew some people who were adopted by a wild turkey: it took up residence in their back yard and simply declared itself a member of the household. They went and got a domestic turkey to keep it company. You have not lived until a domestic turkey, weighing 30 pounds, has trod on your foot at a picnic while getting in your face demanding handouts.
ReplyDeleteThey are so interesting! We have a small but thriving population. The wild turkeys i know like to visit the horse corrals and abandoned orchards and pecan groves. I don't know which kind they are. What amazing creatures. They are doing so well in Utah that there is even a short hunting season for them. I could never do that. They are a gift from the Pre-Columbian era.
ReplyDeleteI think their population is increasing in many parts of the country. I've seen them in the foothills near Denver and in the farm/ranch areas here in central Oregon. What we have in abundance here in town is California Quail, introduced here a number of decades ago. They are fun to watch; I'm expecting to see fuzzy babies soon who can run like their parents: fast!
ReplyDeleteDear String, i am happy to hear that.
ReplyDelete15 years ago I knew some people who were adopted by a wild turkey: it took up residence in their back yard and simply declared itself a member of the household.
ReplyDeleteI love it!
They are so interesting! We have a small but thriving population. The wild turkeys i know like to visit the horse corrals and abandoned orchards and pecan groves.
A lot of birds thrive with those big mammals driving bugs out of their way.
I think their population is increasing in many parts of the country. I've seen them in the foothills near Denver and in the farm/ranch areas here in central Oregon.
Yeah, they really do well in parks and golf courses and yards when they aren't being hunted.