Saw a big tom turkey roaming around yesterday...

[Zenlitened]

... in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

With the temperatures so bitterly cold, I'd have thought wild turkeys would be hunkered down somewhere.

Maybe they're getting a bit 'frisky' already, even though Spring is still so far off?

Whatever the case, it's always a beautiful sight. Really evokes a sense of New England history, or at least the romanticized mythology of the region.

:)

[LuLu550]

1. turkeys are making quite a come-back

in the north east. There was a time not too long ago when they were hard to see. What I miss is ring necked pheasants. Used to see tons when I was a kid and now..nothing. I think NY state used to stock them and gave up.

[amazona]

2. ringneck pheasant is an introduced species

They are not a native species. However, they can still be seen in some areas. I think I first got them in Idaho, will have to check my list. I don't count those seen in Louisiana, they are not a breeding population, someone keeps stocking them.

Quite a few of them in merry old England these days. Is it true they outlawed hunting over there? The pheasants were very bold.

The conservation movement is a breeding ground of communists
and other subversives. We intend to clean them out,
even if it means rounding up every birdwatcher in the country.
--John Mitchell, US Attorney General 1969-72

[Quakerfriend]

4. Yes, I miss the ring-neck pheasants as well.

I too used to see them regulary growing up just outside of Philadelphia.

Though they are not native, I will always be reminded of the wonderful sounds and sights of autumn in PA when I think of the ring-neck.

[Lefty48197]

3. Turkeys are pretty abundant in upper Michigan

I saw these crossing the highway so I stopped and took a couple of pictures.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

5. I've seen them in Delaware, too...

On Rt 404 headed to Rehoboth.