We have several wild turkey families that survived their dangerous early summer ground-nesting phase, including the ones shown here, seen yesterday. (Less than half of wild turkey nests survive predation and other adversities, according to the Wild Turkey Federation.)
The turkey rafts are now at the stage when everyone – moms, aunts, and poults – can fly high into trees for protection. Turkey poults are able to walk soon after hatching. They weigh less than 2 pounds when they hatch, but usually gain more than a pound per month, according to reports.
Turkey families roost together in trees at night now. During the day, they typically stroll the high-summer woodlands and fields, scratching for insects and seeds. The moms and aunts try to keep the youngsters in line, but sometimes it’s difficult to herd the hippy-dippy poults. They can become road hazards. The poults usually will stay with their moms until spring mating season. (Images taken in Brooklin, Maine, on August 2, 2024.)