Happy Turkey Day!

Wild Turkey

"As God as my witness, I thought Turkeys could fly," said Mr. Carlson in my favorite episode of the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati.  And while domesticated turkeys can't fly, Wild Turkeys can.  They can fly quite well, though they fly low to the ground and usually for no more than a quarter mile.

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey's are pretty common here in Central Florida, and they can be found in just about any rural area, especially where there are both mature trees and open grassy areas. Their range has been shrinking, however, due to hunting and habitat loss. Our Florida Wild Turkeys (or Osceola Wild Turkeys) number 80-100,000 and are smaller and darker than the Easterns found farther north. Wild Turkeys are omnivorous, and they may eat nuts and seeds as well as amphibians and small reptiles.

Wild Turkey

I often see Turkeys in family groups ranging from 3 to 9 individuals.  When I see them, I always have to stop and watch.  Benjamin Franklin reportedly preferred to have the Wild Turkey symbolize the U.s. than the Bald Eagle.  Since eagles are bullies, thieves and cowards, he thought we would be better off with the brave and noble Turkey as the national bird. He wrote:

For in Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America... He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on. Benjamin Franklin

Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey

So Happy Thanksgiving!