Thursday, September 18, 2014

Skywatch Friday 74

I was walking up through the restored prairie towards the neighborhood park Thursday evening when this turkey -- one of sixteen! -- sauntered across the summit of the hill. I couldn't resist capturing his silhouette against the evening sky. Some of the birds are looking a bit scruffy these days as they are molting, leaving feathers all over the place.












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17 comments:

DeniseinVA said...

What fun to see so many wild turkeys. Great photos of this one. Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

Heather said...

Thanks, Rajesh!

Heather said...

Denise: This is one of the larger groups I have seen. No matter how often I've seen them wandering the neighborhood, I can't help smiling when I come across them -- or laughing when they run.

Priyashi said...

Wonderful clicks Heather... Loved the composed shot...:)

Hootin Anni said...

Wow....pretty. Love the silhouettes.

Heather said...

Priyashi: Thank you! By "composed" I assume you mean the feathers? Those are just as I found them along the prairie path. Nice of them to fall so artfully, wasn't it? ☺

Heather said...

Anni: Thank you, I was hoping people would like those silhouettes as much as I did. ☺

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Nice silhouette shots. It looks comical to see the feather hanging down in front!

Heather said...

Spare Parts: I thought it comical, too. That group of feathers hanging down is actually his beard, a distinguishing feature of tom turkeys (though a small percentage of females also grow them).

Rebecca said...

We have a herd? clutch? gathering? ooh. Just looked it up...Rafter.
We have a rafter of turkeys that we see from time to time. We like that they can hide in our woods during hunting season.

Heather said...

Rebecca: Yes, it appears there are several words to describe a group of turkeys, LOL. I don't think our urban birds realize how lucky they are, not having to worry about hunters. Of course, they still have to watch out for coyotes.

Jana said...

Love the silhouettes. Very nice.

Heather said...

Thanks, Jana! ☺

Beth at PlantPostings said...

Great shots, and perfect for the meme! I saw some at the Arb on Friday when I was there, and more here in McFarland on my way home later. They haven't been as plentiful here at my house this summer as they were last year, but I guess they find new haunts. And we seem to have more birds of prey and foxes in the neighborhood this year. It's fascinating how the ecosystems and wildlife shift from year to year. Anyway, great post!

Heather said...

Beth: Thanks, I really liked these pics. It is interesting how the ecosystem changes year to year. We always seem to have plenty of wild turkeys in our neighborhood, but for a couple years I saw no deer at the Arb. They go where the water is, and the drought years meant no water at Grady Tract. This year I've seen quite a few, including a doe with two fawns. I really wish I could get a pic of them! ☺

Alice Audrey said...

Fantastic capture! I particularly like the one in the middle.

Heather said...

Thanks, Alice! ☺