Signs of Spring: Wild Turkey
One of the iconic signs of spring in our region is the sight of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), scratching through stubbled corn fields—usually with one or two strutting toms showing off their blushing red, white, and blue heads in an attempt to entice a flock of hens. Wild turkeys are native to eastern forestlands, but were extinct in Vermont by the late 1800s due to habitat loss and overhunting. In the 1950s and 60s, thanks to conservation and relocation efforts, largely fueled by hunters, populations began to rebound, and this iconic [Read More...]
