The Tail of Five Turkeys

Toronto Wildlife Centre is a great organization that rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured and orphaned wildlife and I've had the pleasure of volunteering with them for a few years.

Earlier this summer TWC received five tiny orphaned wild turkeys and today was release day!  The trick was to find a wild flock with a Mom (or Moms) and their little ones so that we could add our five to their family.

One of the five youngsters that TWC raised

I left early this morning in search of a flock and after a half hour or so I saw this beautiful sight!   After an unsuccesful (multi-houred!) search for a flock yesterday, the turkey Gods must have been smiling down on us today!  

This group was on a quiet backroad, and included at least two adult hens and numerous young (not all pictured here).  Exactly the type of flock we'd been hoping for!

Even better, there was a second flock on the other side of the field, where several Toms (adult males) were feeding with a few younger males.  After an excited call to TWC to share the news, Andrew, a member of the rescue/release staff, quickly arrived with the five babies.  The Moms had disappeared into the adjacent forest on the left, and the Toms had moved toward the treeline on the far right.  

We released the five little ones in the field right in the middle of where we'd seen the two flocks and it was interesting to see that the moment the young turkeys left their kennel cab, they immediately began to peck on the ground for food.  Despite not growing up with adults to show them the ropes, they sure looked like wild turkeys from the moment they were released.  They didn't appear the least bit nervous, and looked like they'd been in that field their entire lives.

Exploring their new home.

At one point neither flock was visible and this gave our little ones plenty of time to explore their new territory.  It was great to watch them slowly expand their territory from left to right.

At one point one of the turkeys started kicking madly at the dirt in the field.  He was then joined by a second turkey.  They then crouched down and began dusting, which turkeys typically do mid to late morning (they were right on schedule!) and it was quite a sight.  This is how turkeys keep their feathers clean.

Dusting fun!

Dusting break

Dusting leftovers

In the distance we suddenly saw the Tom flock returning - they had seen the five little ones!  The Toms weren't at all aggressive, but conveyed in Turkey language that they were in charge.

Toms on the right, our five on the left.

Our five little guys retreated into their own territory but were quite curious and likely wanted the comfort of a flock.  The interesting thing was that two of the Toms (right) appeared to be waiting for them, and the five little ones returned immediately to check things out.



A peaceful encounter with the male flock - Toms on the right and our five on the left.

Although we had hoped that by now Mom and the nursery flock would have come out of the forest, we were still happy to have found a flock at all - and there were a few young in this Tom flock as well.  What we didn't know though was that the Moms had walked their little ones all the way around the forest, into the other side of the field!  We were so happy to see them!

The nursery flock returns...now there are three flocks in the field!

Eventually all three flocks disappeared into the high grass for a mid-day break.

I will continue to monitor the progress of the turkeys we released, and am sure that in the very near future they will have nicely integrated.

When we left, ours were showing no signs of having been raised without a mom - they were strutting, pecking, and overall acting very turkeyish! 

As always, TWC provides the most amazing and memorable experiences!  Click here to see how you can support Toronto Wildlife Centre.

Red-Tailed Hawk

This Red-Tailed Hawk surprised me and many others walking along the trail in Durham.  He stayed in plain sight for all to enjoy for well over two hours (and possibly longer).

What a beauty!

"Friendly", the Great Blue Heron

Meet my friend "Friendly", the Great Blue Heron.  I found him at the marsh not far from where I live.  He was fishing.  Right next to a fisherman!   The fisherman was sitting on a lawn chair and Friendly was right beside him enjoying the day.  I couldn't believe my eyes.

Later on I was sitting no a log hiding in the reeds shooting when suddenly Friendly rounded the corner and stood within 10 feet of me.  He fished some more and was quite curious with what I was doing.  Most of the time he was too close for me to photograph.

Clearly fishermen are throwning him the odd minnow because herons typically are so skittish.  But it was nice to spend a morning with this character!  Hopefully he will stick around for a while.

Balancing Act

Friendly's feet (my favourite shot of all...he was too close to get much else)

Backyard Bounty

Poor lighting and an unsuccessful attempt at an outing earlier in the morning kept me close to home today.  Sometimes I forget the fun I can have with my camera in my own back yard!



It was pretty active - at one time there were 41 birds around me, gathering at the fountain to drink or to indulge in a few peanuts.  A Coopers zoomed past my head but fortunately for my feathered friends he didn't stick around.

In addition to the usual suspects - sparrows, cardinals, doves and black birds - Blue Jays rang in the fall season with LOUD voices and lots to say.

Most are sporting back-to-school haircuts!

Hanging out at the local watering hole.

Where's my nemesis?

Here I am...get away from MY peanuts!

This odd bird joined in the festivities...I wasn't able to locate him in my birding book!

Can't think of a better way to spend a holiday Monday!

Beeeeeeautiful!

[click photo to enlarge]

Coyote Pups

I spotted young coyotes playing near the tree line in North Durham early this morning. They must have been siblings as their markings were nearly identical. Very cute and very fluffy and healthy looking!

I hid behind a tree and took some shots. Like you'd expect in a coyote group of three, one was cautious, one was curious but shy, and the third was clearly the leader, not caring too much that I was in the area.

This was the leader, who was careful not to get close but still carefree enough to keep hunting.

Pounce!

Deep in thought.  At least, until the next yummy critter scurries by!



Heron vs Turtle

Another in a series of cool animal adventures today! 

A painted turtle joined several birds who were sitting on a log, his back to a Green Heron.   The Heron took an interest in the turtle and slowly approach him, as if stalking.  "Oh no", I thought.  "This isn't going to end well!".

At best, I expected the turtle to retreat and disappear into the water but instead he slowly turned around and approached the heron, who's giant beak was ready and able to give him a good one!

Smooooch! (click to enlarge)

Instead, they came within about an inch of actually touching "noses" and then both thought better of it and retreated.  I wondered if they were only comparing outfits, since they have very similar colouring!

The Magic Tree at Second Marsh

There is a huge tree in the corner of the marsh that attracts any and all creatures.  I lost count during my visit today as to how many birds were either in the tree, or immediately beneath it.

At one point there was a Night Heron family, a group of Green Herons, a Great Blue Heron, countless Wood Ducks, Yellow-Legs, Mallards, a King Fisher, and for a short time they were joined by a Cooper's Hawk.  Not to be left out, an Osprey and a Northern Harrier also flew over the treetop.

In over 2 hours at the marsh I barely moved except to dodges the ants that showed no mercy (no pics of those!).

Juvenile Night-Heron (one of many)

These two siblings had a love-hate relationship.  They were never farther apart than a few inches but they sure did squabble!



Standing Room Only!  All I could get in this photo were the lower residents of the tree...Wood Duck to the side (many more around the trunk), cormorants, and a Great Blue Heron.

Yellow-Legs (not sure if this is a Greater or Lessor?)



Yellow-Legs (playing with black and white)

Killdeer