Saturday, November 22, 2008

Turkey Crossing


So I'm sitting in my office looking through the window out toward the flower garden in the front yard, when what should strut by but a wild turkey? The red head bobbed by, in front of the hydrangea, around the corner of the house toward the backyard. I'm yelling "KIDS! KIDS! THERE'S A TURKEY OUTSIDE" Out they went, barefoot and half-dressed. I warned them not to yell. I warned them not to run. But yell and run they did, and scared the poor bird to death.

He was running in circles around the swingset, through the vegetable garden, past the sandbox and the Tonka trucks, flapping his wings and trying to find an escape. But he was fast. The kids had no hope of catching him, but they got a good look. The turkey finally saw the open gate on the other side of the yard and made for the exit, dashing across the cul-de-sac and into the woods before they kids even realized he'd left the backyard. Never a dull moment.

Great photo huh? It was taken by a neighbor in Valley Cottage. Looks like I’m not the only one!

6 comments:

Joanne said...

In CT, it's deer crossing. They're everywhere, grazing, roadside, in the farm fields. Last week while driving at dusk, we clipped one but thankfully it seemed okay and ran off through someone's yard!

Anonymous said...

Turkeys are so great! A couple of years ago, Tulip the Turkey turned up in our yard regularly for a couple of weeks each spring and fall. She'd follow me and the dog everywhere, perch on the deck railing, and each chicken scratch quite contentedly. Then she'd mosey on. After several years of this, one spring, she failed to mosey back. We still miss her!

Anonymous said...

Oops, that was "eat" chicken scratch!

tina said...

What a neat experience for the kiddos-especially so close to Thanksgiving.

Squirrel said...

I love seeing the big Tom's "unfold" in May and strut around. Once in a while, for fun, I wait until he's completely showing off, then I make a noise (all it takes is opening a door or window) and the Tom begins to try and run and fold in all his beautiful plumage at the same time --it seems once you start showing off it isn't easy to refold your wings and tuck everything back in and run away at the same time.

I wonder how girl turkeys fall for the boys showing off their chests, and feathers.

spookydragonfly said...

That photo is perfect!! Kudos to your neighbor for capturing that one! Our grandkids love seeing the deer and turkeys in particular! Happy Thanksgiving...and in response to your comment on my post...umm...enjoy that turkey in the gravy!!