Wild Turkeys!

These wild turkeys have been hanging around for the past couple of days. I first saw one of them when I walked into the perennial garden right next to the house two days ago. She was resting on the ground and got up when she realized I was there. I was just a few feet away from her and surprised that she seemed reluctant to move away. When I looked down, I saw why. Little baby turkeys (poults) were scurrying in front of me to hide in the periwinkle vines. I quickly ran inside to get my camera (and to put some distance between myself and mom who looked none too pleased) but by the time I got back outside they were gone. Fortunately, DH was able to get these photos in the backyard early this morning.

Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)

This is the first time we ever saw wild turkeys in the backyard. They seemed pretty oblivious to being watched. Years ago, when we were really struggling to make ends meet, DH was offered a lucrative photography assignment at a turkey processing plant. As an ethical vegetarian, he couldn’t accept the job… That’s one of the reasons why I love him so much!