Turkey talk

What would a nature column in November be without an article about turkeys?  My position on this was strengthened while I waited in my driveway for a flock of about 30 birds to gradually make their way across the road. And, over the past couple weeks, I have been interrupted on more than one occasion by the calls of the turkeys outside my office window, which compelled me to get up and watch as they poked through the grass looking for seeds and other morsels to eat.

I really don’t mind these diversions, as the flocks are fun to watch. Though they look a little clumsy, especially when alarmed, I find them quite majestic looking. This holds true particularly for the males with their iridescent feathers and their flashy, almost arrogant disposition.

The Pilgrims found New England in the 1600s to be well stocked with wild turkeys, which figured into their regular diet, including the original Thanksgiving feast.

In 1784, Benjamin Franklin wrote the famous letter to his daughter stating his dismay that the bald eagle had been chosen for our national bird and not the wild turkey.  Little would he know that by the early 1800s, due to over hunting, loss of forested habitat and several harsh winters, the wild turkey would all but disappear.

Reintroduction efforts in Connecticut between the 1950s and early 1970s were largely unsuccessful.  These efforts were based on artificial propagation. 

Then came the big breakthrough: relocation of existing flocks using rocket nets!

Sounds exciting, and it was.

These rocket-propelled nets, fired by biologists hidden in a blind, could catch whole flocks of turkeys.  The birds were then relocated to parts of the state where turkeys were still nonexistent.

I can remember as a kid hanging out with biologists in the mid-1970s as they attempted to relocate some flocks that had established in Sharon. It took a lot of patience and skill to know just when to fire the nets, but these efforts, and the fact that our forests are increasing, are largely responsible for Connecticut’s now 40,000 wild turkeys distributed throughout all 169 towns in the state.

The Pilgrims would be proud.And, with that, I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving and encourage you to spend some time outside in nature this holiday season.

There is no better complement to a wonderful meal with family and friends than a leisurely stroll down one of our many country roads or the myriad trails that we are lucky to have here in the Northwest Corner.  Let’s give thanks!

Scott Heth is the director of Audubon Sharon and can be reached at sheth@audubon.org, (subject line: Nature Notes).