They gone...for now

[Cut N Run]

I've fed the deer and wildlife at my place every day for over 30 years now.  I have a couple barrel feeders on timers for when I'm gone as well.  A regular small flock of turkeys (6-13) visits that I get to see most days too. The turkeys show up at random times throughout the day & again just before dusk.  That is, until the leaves start coming off the trees in mid October.  They left on October 20th or 21st and will stay gone until the leaves start budding in late February or early March. Happens the same way every year.  I'll occasionally see a few birds feed through in January, but they don't stay around long for whatever reason.  I've got no idea where the flock winters and haven't found that place yet.  Two of the hens are bearded, so that's the only way I have to identify them.  So, until next Spring, have a great Winter!

Jim

[YoungGobbler]

Sounds fun, interesting habit.

[silvestris]

I am against feeding wildlife, a minority personal opinion.  You apparently possess killing properly (open areas tailored to poult production)  which is certainly good, as far as it goes.  Your real question is "where the heck do they go", and most importantly, "why".  Well the closer they find an abundance of mast is the likely starting point and branch out from there.  Their winter scratching yields a wealth of in formation.  Another question you may have is "what can I do with my property that will make it more attractive to fall birds without deminishing its attraction to spring birds.  Habitat alteration is the the best way to keep your turkeys, but beware the unintended consequences.

[Tom007]

I've fed the deer and wildlife at my place every day for over 30 years now.  I have a couple barrel feeders on timers for when I'm gone as well.  A regular small flock of turkeys (6-13) visits that I get to see most days too. The turkeys show up at random times throughout the day & again just before dusk.  That is, until the leaves start coming off the trees in mid October.  They left on October 20th or 21st and will stay gone until the leaves start budding in late February or early March. Happens the same way every year.  I'll occasionally see a few birds feed through in January, but they don't stay around long for whatever reason.  I've got no idea where the flock winters and haven't found that place yet.  Two of the hens are bearded, so that's the only way I have to identify them.  So, until next Spring, have a great Winter!

Jim


It's nice to have that flock visit each spring. Enjoy!

[Cut N Run]

I love watching the flock dynamics, hearing the vocalizations, and seeing turkey behavior in general.  They've always been here, I just added a supplemental feed zone that keeps them in front of the trail camera longer. 

I may have found where they go in Winter.  There's a neighboring farm within 2 miles that has a lot of open field and a lot of beech trees and pin oaks along the same creek that forms the boundary to my land. He mentioned seeing a hen with a beard, so I might have my answer.

Jim