It was Wednesday the 12th, I believe. I was walking on the path home from the river when I noticed there was a trail of bird tracks in the snow. Now, these were not small bird feet, but large, and there were a lot of them! I was very confused--so much so that I stopped and had to rationally talk to myself that first of all, they really were there, and yes, birds are the creatures which would make bird tracks in the snow. I decided that they probably were not peacocks released by some human, nor were they pet chickens perhaps which were herded a long. Maybe it was just a long day and I had to run through all the possibilities.
Anyway, I eventually just accepted the fact that they were there and for some reason there was a mass movement of large birds through Otterburne. When I arrived at Prov house I looked across the field, and behold! A whole flock of wild turkey were across the street and very busy wandering in the field. I decided that I should go and investigate, but have not yet ventured. I believe this will be the first OAN walk.
In the mean time I have begun to learn about wild turkeys. I found some information here. Apparently wild turkeys live deep in the woods in winter. What would make them come into an open field? I suspect they were eating. The site says states that during the winter they eat nuts, seeds and fruits left from the fall. I wonder if all animal population is increasing in MB this winter due to the warmth? And if the relative warmth makes for more food needs, and thus the turkeys have to stray beyond their usual boundaries to find more food? Left over seeds etc. from the harvest? Just a thought. Further exploration is needed.
Wiki article (note: They like feeding in early morning and late afternoon)
National Wild Turkey Federation (I suspect we in MB have the "Eastern Wild Turkey")
