I have been concentrating on Eastern Wild Turkey photography and
filming since returning from my trip to Middle Creek Wildlife Management
Area in late March. When many think of turkeys strutting and gobbling
they think of April and May, but a great deal of this happens in the
winter also. I have seen little strutting strutting or gobbling in
summer or fall (except for late June). Below is a flock of turkeys
photographed at around 300 yards on January 19th. This is only a portion
of mixed flock of hens, young turkeys born last spring, jakes, and
mature gobblers. It is likely these are the same gobblers featured in
the other photos below.
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| Gobblers Strutting-Mid-January: Canon 7D-Canon 600mm f 4.0 L IS- ISO-400- 1/160 sec. f4.5 |
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| Gobblers Strutting-Mid-January: Canon 5D MK III-Canon 500mm f 4.0 L IS- ISO 1000- 1/640 sec. f4.5 |
It seems that most winter strutting and gobbling is
not directed at the hens and is common when two or more flocks of
gobblers converge on an area to feed. The gobblers strut and gobble at
each other for a time and then the opposing flocks may pitch into each
other and a noisy brawl results with a lot of running about,
kick-boxing, and flogging.
Attention shifts to the hens
sometime in March and early April and it is common to see one or more
mature gobblers putting on an impressive courtship display for them.
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| It's All About The Hens: Canon 5D MK III-Canon 600mm f4.0 L IS+ 1.4x extender-ISO 400- 1/6000 sec. f 8.0 |
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| Woodland Hen: Canon 5D MK III-Canon 600mm f4.0 L IS- ISO 640- 1/250 sec. f 5.0 |
One of the ultimate turkey experiences is when a mature gobbler comes close in the woodlands.
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| Mature Gobbler Approaches: Canon 7D -Canon 55-250 mm f 4-5.6- ISO 400- 1/250 sec. f 5.6 |
When I was younger, my heart rate increased
dramatically in this type of situation and I felt under intense pressure
to get the photograph. But since retirement I have spent so much
time afield and photographed so many gobblers- or the same gobblers so
many times- that I no longer get so excited. Instead I feel a deep sense
of satisfaction when everything comes together and one captures an
exceptional image--not to mention that it is so rewarding just be
afield at daybreak and watch the natural world come to life.
Originally published at
Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill.
