I do not know where the Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were hiding, but I don’t think that I spotted a single one all summer. All of the sudden they seem to be back and I have seen them repeatedly during my most recent visits to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
During most of my encounters, I have spotted them in the distance, pecking away at the side of the trail. Before I can get within camera range, they usually sense my presence and waddle into the undergrowth. I was fortunate, however, to capture a shot of this one turkey who had lingered in the open a bit longer than his compatriots.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice image of a really elusive target! For me, any day I can get a photo of a Turkey is a special day.
I am with you, Wally. I see those turkeys pretty often, but have trouble getting close enough without spooking them.
Nice Mike! We used to have a lot right by my condo. They would be right outside my door. There are some woods 50 feet away so they forage in our yards. But we have not seen them lately probably because there were some foxes around. They probably ended up as their dinner. It was fun especially seeing the baby turkeys foraging around.