Why did the turkeys cross the road? Because somebody was trying to take their picture.
In case you had not noticed, the turkeys are back. Probably not the same ones that caused consternation in Albany in 2019 but another batch, the next generation, just as hungry as the last one and looking for something to eat.
I came across this little flock of wild birds Thursday afternoon at the corner of Lawnridge and Fern Place in the Broadway Neighborhood. They looked to me like two adults and seven chicks, not baby chicks but more like turkey teens.
I have no idea whether they are a solitary family, or part of a larger flock, the vanguard of many more. Or whether they are new arrivals or the offspring of birds who never left.
Last year, wild turkeys pecking their way through Albany neighborhoods were enough of a concern — mostly because turkeys make a mess — that they prompted a brief city council discussion about what could be done.
The answer has always been: If you don’t want them hanging around, don’t leave stuff out for them to eat. No bird seed, no feed for outdoor pets or wildlife.
This little flock, having crossed the street, gathered in the shade of low bushes in a nearby yard. Whether they found anything there to eat, I didn’t stick around to find out. (hh)
City Staff was going to contact the State to see what was needed to get a special hunt for them…
No kidding, the turkeys too belong to the State?
oh no! future killer turkeys. when I was in grade school back in the 60’s, I had to defend myself from Canadian geese….they were, and still are mean. The geese on Waverly and Timber Linn lakes will still nip at you at their whim. hope the Albany council does not waste more time worrying about a few rouge Turkeys. Take on the cat issue instead. At least mandate that all out door cats be neutered.
To L.S.: Some outdoor adult’s ought to be neutered for sure! That is to prevent sooo much stupidity from being spread around with or w/o a face mask. I’ll take take the “white” meat thank you. Gobble, gobble…
Turkey has become the traditional Thanksgiving protein, four months seems like a good amount of time to fatten a bird.
Those turkeys reside in the woods on the west side of town and have a pretty good range looking for forage. A neighbor’s dog spooked that flock into the trees at my place. The male clambered no to the roof to over watch proceedings. After a silent “all clear,” they all gathered in the street and ambled onwards.
I can’t imagine anyone being shortsighted enough to want to hunt these creatures. They are hurting no one, and have lived in the woods on this side of town for years. They are one of the few wild species left to remind us we aren’t the only “game” in town. Share the world a little bit. They do.