Wild turkeys strut their stuff
article and photos by Rose Collison
Turkeys travel in flocks and search the ground for nuts, berries, insects, and snails. They use their strong feet to scratch leaf litter out of the way. In early spring, males gather in clearings. There, they perform courtship displays, puffing up their body feathers, flaring their tails into a vertical fan, and strutting slowly while giving their characteristic gobbling call. At night, turkeys fly up into trees to roost in groups.
A male turkey struts his stuff.
Two males in competition!
Rose Collison
After retiring from Stockbridge Community Schools, Rose Collison joined the board of Stockbridge Community News. She serves as volunteer photographer and manages the Where’s Waldo contest. She and husband Ken have lived in the area for a number of years.