Al Larson Photography

Several days ago I looked out the window and saw the above sight. All in all I counted 17 Wild Turkeys in the yard. They had finally returned after having spent the winter elsewhere. It is not uncommon to see 20-30 of them in the yard during Spring, Summer and Fall but, for the last few years they have spent the winters somewhere else.

I have mixed feelings about having Wild Turkeys in the yard. It’s fun to watch them go about their business catching grasshoppers and other prey. They undoubtedly help control some of the garden pests and stimulate the lawn with their scratching and droppings. Be careful where you step! They also get into the flower garden and trample the flowers that Hilda worked so hard to cultivate.

After their absence they still remembered me. When I stepped out into the yard with a pail of birdseed they all fell in behind me and followed closely to where I used to feed them last fall. They behaved as though they were domestic turkeys.

A view from my living room window taken on St. Patrick’s day. Three days before Spring sprung we had a light dusting of snow. This flocked the trees for a post winter scene.

When these little guys make their appearence I know that Spring is here. I would guess  I’m about a week late to witness their arrival. Actually first arrivals may be seen when the stem exits the snow and the flourescence is surrounded with white. Now I must get out on the hill and search for the Yellow Fritillary or Fairybell as they are sometimes called. This starts the season of wildflowers!