When I spotted this Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) roosting low in a tree at the edge of a trail last Thursday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I was initially happy to be able to get a shot. As I got closer, though, I was saddened to see that the turkey appeared to be injured or more likely suffering from a disease.
I was initially alerted to the presence of a ranger who drove past me heading in the opposite direction in a truck. I was sure that the passing of the truck had spooked the turkey and was surprised to see that it was still there as I silently moved closer. I noted small movements by the turkey, so I could tell that it was alive, but the extent of the damage to its face made me wonder if it could see. I quickly took the first two shots and departed.
When I circled back an hour later, I could see that the turkey had changed positions, but was still perched in the tree. I could now see that the damage to the other side of its face was equally severe. I worry about the survivability of this injured/sick wild turkey.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It’s sad to see. We know injuries, wounds and illness occur, but it’s always sad to see.
I know all about the “circle of life” argument that people sometimes make, but I agree that it is sad to see a creature like this. I did some searches and wondered if the turkey might be suffering from avian pox. I suspect that in what looked to be a weakened condition, the turkey decided it was safer perching in the tree than staying on the ground.
Oh my!
Poor thing, to have to suffer that way.
That is sad!
Always hard to see suffering, whether in a human or another animal.