Thursday, June 25, 2015

Thursday Thirteen 378; Courting Tom

Back in mid-May, I was treated to a mating ritual one afternoon at the Arboretum. While most visitors to the Longenecker Horticultural Gardens were oohing and aahing over the lilacs at front of the gardens, I walked back a bit farther, under the crabapple and buckeye, and happened upon a wild tom attempting to court two females.

According to what I found online, wild turkeys usually mate in March and April, but this guy was obviously in the midst of courting. He would cluck to get their attention, then slowly turn from one side to another to display his manly physique. They would ignore him, wander a few paces off, he would follow and repeat. The best part was being the only one to see the show, and having no one else around to bother them. As I said, everyone else was up front under the lilacs.

So, my tip today is this: If you are visiting a local botanic garden for one specific reason -- say, one particular garden or flower at that site -- don't be afraid to quietly wander around a bit. You never know what you might see or find -- just remember to keep a respectful distance from all wildlife.
































LINKING TO: Thursday Thirteen




14 comments:

Heather said...

Thank you!

CountryDew said...

These are great shots! So glad you got them.

Alice Audrey said...

He certainly has the "manly" physique thing down, but his timing is certainly off. Poor tom.

Heather said...

Thanks, Anita! I was glad I had walked further back in the gardens.

Heather said...

Alice: He certainly has the puffing up his self-image down pat, LOL. While it said that "normal" mating season is March and April, I'm sure it's not unusual for it to stretch into May, depending on the weather, etc.

Ron. said...

Muy Macho.

Heather said...

Ron.: Indeed! :-D

Mia Celeste said...

I think wild turkeys are lovely and you've gotten some great closeups.
:)

colleen said...

Wow! Even I would go out with him!

Lea said...

Beautiful turkey strut, but the hens don't look too impressed.

Heather said...

Mia: Thank you!

Colleen: ROFL...

Heather said...

Forgetfulone: Thanks! ☺

Lea: Yeah, I didn't think they seemed too impressed, either. Or maybe they didn't want to seem too easy. *VBG*

Novroz said...

Wow!! that is one handsome turkey.
I like your closing sentence, that's so true

Heather said...

Thanks, Novroz! He was a handsome-looking bird, and it never fails to amaze me how disrespectful people can be of local wildlife. Keep a respectful distance from them, and they will generally do the same.