Thursday, May 6, 2010

Gobbling Season Winds Down

While we had a severe winter this year, it did break early and spring seemed to arrive earlier than usual.  As a result the turkey mating season began early, at least in my area, and is now winding down.  It was common to hear several gobblers each morning just a short time ago, but now gobbling is very sporadic and one can easily spend a morning outdoors without hearing any gobbling at all. 

Alert Mature Gobbler Pauses As He Moves Through Woodlands
It was common to see the birds strutting and courting only a week or so ago, but now it is rare.  They are more likely to be seen feeding or moving about.  If they do strut or gobble, it seems that the action does not last long, before they lose interest and return to feeding.

8 comments:

Coy Hill said...

The spring gobbler hunting season which opened a week ago may be playing some part in the wind-down. Keeping quiet will go a long ways to helping their survival through the comming weeks.

V.L. Locey said...

Very true Coy. I know up here in NC PA the gobblers are very vocal. Glorious picture Willard!

SaraG said...

Great photo, Willard.
John has been turkey hunting and it is winding down here too!! He hasn't seen or even heard a turkey in about the last four days.
Take care and have a great weekend!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful photo! Great detail.

EG CameraGirl said...

This is a wow photo, Willard!

Misty DawnS said...

You really captured the detail and colors in the feathers! Outstanding image!

Misty DawnS said...

Hey Willard,
I can't help myself from sending you this link, because I instantly thought of you during this experience...
http://www.mistysmusings.com/2010/05/camera-critters-109.html

Peggy said...

I haven't seen any in weeks...Waiting for the poults!