The back of our house is up against an open space (we believe that it's all owned by the taxidermy guy- but it's essentially like a huge empty lot) This morning I was making coffee and I looked out to find THIS :
so I tried to get closer and saw THESE:
I couldn't figure out what they were for sure so I went to get my glasses and then to get my camera- it didn't help much. Is taxidermy guy raising free range turkeys? (unlikely, he has 2 dogs) Are they turkey vultures? Do turkey vultures migrate? I don't think I've ever seen turkey vultures here- I thought they were only out west? I didn't know they hung out in GANGS.
ETA: Lord Google says that yes, turkey vultures pretty much live wherever they want to, and also that a gang of turkey vultures is called a "venue". ooookay. But Google also seems to say that if these were turkey vultures their heads would be more red...
ETA: Ok, yes Mrs. H, I think they are just wild turkeys - not sure why they are in my backyard, but whatever. Also, wild turkeys can fly 20-30 yards, and a gang of them is called a "rafter" of turkeys. They were not there again this morning so I guess they have places to be, things to do.
8 comments:
I googled images of "black vulture with green head" and found this
possible match
How exactly is the taxidermist disposing of the spoils of his trade?
Um, could they just be wild turkeys?
Turkeys don't fly though do they? I guess they could've just wandered in- but it's not like I live in the country... Maybe they had to pick up some things at the mall?
drembasoup-hmm...that is a good question- I have no idea. It doesn't appear that he gets lots of taxidermy business though, he just has a sign hanging from the mailbox. Plus, he's gotta be in his late 70s. It's not exactly bustling over there.
I'm pretty certain they're wild turkeys (these are hens, which is why they don't have the waddles or the big plumage...though it's likely there is a male somewhere nearby). Turkey populations have exploded over the last 10-15 years, so it's not surprising they've made their way into the burbs. I had a group of about 20 of them wander through the parking lot of my apartment building down in Rochester a few years ago. They're pretty bold, so built-up areas don't bother them. They go where the food is! :)
Beloved turkey-hunting friend wants the address. Turkeys, indeed.
We came home from work a couple of years ago to find a turkey on top the garage. So yeah, they can fly. Ugly critters, too.
My mom and dad have had wild turkeys in their neighborhood for several years. Yes, they can fly a bit, they actually roost in trees at night to get some shut eye.
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