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Flock of turkeys6/18/2023 Trail cameras are useful at this time to gather information when turkeys could show up anywhere.ĭr. Hen groups cover ground searching for favorable nesting and brooding habitat. Turkey flocks split into smaller ones that move about and may be seen in new areas. Rowdy dominance battles of all age classes are a regular occurrence. As winter ends, all of those flocks will begin to dissolve as birds end up in social groups.įrom a hunter’s perspective, late winter into early spring is one of the most enlightening times for observing turkey behavior. It’s not unusual to see hen flocks being followed by groups of jakes, or for groups of jakes to show up in the same foraging areas being used by hens. Jakes will also form flocks, but they will often closely associate with hen flocks. Chamberlain: Winter flocks are segregated by sex, with hens hanging out in large flocks and toms usually in smaller flocks. “IT’S ABOUT CREATING A LEGACY FOR ALL FUTURE GENERATIONS. Interestingly, they may display dominance behavior near the hens as shown here with a lifted head and raised wing butt feathers conveying a “Hey, I’m bigger than you,” posture. What does my favorite age class (the teenagers of turkeydom), do with themselves during the winter? In my anecdotal observations, jake groups tend to hang out in close proximity to hen flocks. Toms, jakes and hens separate into flocks but groups overlap especially as winter gives way to spring. Wild turkey flocks are typically largest during winter months when they gather in areas that provide safety, adequate food and roosting areas. Chamberlain, PhD., Terrell Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of Georgia. Important insight is included from wild turkey expert and researcher, Dr. This column discusses how turkeys alter their social behaviors, flock dynamics, and ranges in preparation for the spring breeding and nesting season. Habitat and forage needs also evolve as the next season approaches and turkeys prepare for every turkey hunter’s happiest time of year-spring! Whether wild turkeys have survived winter’s bitter cold, a balmier southern version, or something in between, Nature’s promise of winter’s end triggers big changes in turkey flocks. Shake the can at the birds, yell, wave your arms and generally make them uncomfortable (don’t throw things at the birds, however!) and they will think twice before coming through your yard.The “winter to spring transition” and its effect on flock dynamics The penny can (a soda can with a few pennies inside) makes an excellent noise deterrent when shaken (Project Coyote recommends this for deterring coyotes!) and having one with you when you’re in your yard or walking the neighborhood is easy and inexpensive. Act scary! Turkeys don’t want to hang out near a predator, so making yourself big and loud can be very effective at getting them to move along. These motion-activated sprinklers put out a heart-stopping jet of water when they sense motion, and can be used in yards, across driveways and even strategically placed on roofs to deter turkeys.Ĥ. Especially after you have removed attractants from your yard, adding flash tape can make your property less attractive to the birds, and encourage them to move on.ģ. it makes bright flashes of light and a bit of noise that turkeys and other animals don’t like. Determine what is attracting the birds to your yard and make it less accessible by removing food sources, putting up fencing, or pruning and clearing brush.Ģ. They may find food they like in your garden. They may find comfortable roosting spots in your bushes or on low branches in your trees, or your roof may make a comfortable roosting spot. Your neighbors may be feeding them, attracting them to the area. They may be getting fallen seed from a birdfeeder, or berries from your blackberry bushes. Figure out what’s attracting them and take it away if possible. Our main suggestions to deter turkeys are as follows:ġ. But a large flock of turkeys roosting on your roof may not be your first choice. Turkeys are great for controlling insects, and in general they are unobtrusive neighbors. As the season progresses, the young birds will disperse (and predators will take care of some) so the groups will be smaller and less noticeable. Probably the main reason for this is that all of this year’s young turkeys have grown up, but many are still with their natal flocks, meaning that there are more turkeys together in an individual area at this time of year. Late fall is the time of year that WildCare’s Living with Wildlife Hotline 41 sees a spike in the number of calls about Wild Turkeys.
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