Saturday, December 21, 2013

Wild Turkeys Wandering in Waterloo (Who could resist that alliteration?)

Wild Turkeys Meleagris gollopavo
21 December 2013

    The pristine snow is being sullied by a steady and increasing rain. The temperature is hovering right above freezing and we are getting prepared for an ice storm which is being predicted by Environment Canada. As the temperature drops a little this rain is expected to turn to freezing rain with a substantial build up, sufficient to potentially break tree limbs and cause power lines to collapse.
    We may just be holed up tomorrow so we ventured forth this afternoon to get in a little birding before the weather debacle begins. 
    Three Wild Turkeys were spotted gleaning corn in a field of stubble. The photographs are hardly the best, but they were taken in very grey conditions with steady rain falling. We hope to do better in brighter conditions another day. As can be seen in the pictures these are large, heavy-bodied birds and they sink into the waterlogged snow. They certainly earn the meagre pickings they are able to glean from the remnant corn beneath the snow cover.




David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

7 comments:

  1. you really have to face some really tough and challenging weather conditions. The pictures of wild turkey foraging for food are beautiful.

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  2. I hope the storm wasn't too severe and not too much damage done. Turkeys are obviously tough!

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  3. Still seems unreal to us Brits that Turkeys don't just exist in a Tesco freezer. Best wishes to you and your family for the festive holiday. Stay warm.

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  4. Still pretty imaged with the bad weather.
    Wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy 2014

    Groetjes Tinie

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  5. Wonderful winter pictures.
    I wish you a Merry Christmas, many gifts from Santa Claus and a Happy New Year !

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  6. That there was an ice storm we have seen in your blog above. Here, the turkeys are still beautiful in the pristine snow. What you say to a lot of snow!

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