Most of the times when I see Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, they are foraging in the open along one of the trails. As I approach, they usually disappear deep into the vegetation.
At this time of the year, though, I can see a lot farther into the woods than when there are leaves on the trees. Occasionally now I can get a glimpse of the turkeys moving about in the distance. I was happy to capture these head shots last week of one of the local turkeys as it popped in and out of view.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Beautiful, body is like peafowls. Not available over here, thanks for sharing image of this beauty.
Thanks. Whenever I travel I try to search for local wildlife and often find that the species are different, but related to the ones at home.
Agree
I misread it as turkey of the woods and thought I was going to see a mushroom.:-)
Nice headshots, Mike. Most of the time, like you, I see them along a trail or road and they make themselves scarce quickly. I did manage to get some last fall though. We once had a flock of about 50 come through the yard. They looked like a parade coming down our street.
Thanks, Steve. Fifty turkeys in a parade–that sounds like quite a sight.
We see the occasional wild turkey here in New Zealand, but only when we get out of the city. We really miss seeing them on a regular basis as we did in Omaha and still do when we’re in Minnesota. Nice to see them again!
Thanks, Gary. It is interesting that you mention New Zealand–it is on the short list of places that I would like to visit in the next year or two.
When you do, please let me know in advance–I’d love to get together for an excursion into a favorite spot or two to share with you!
Great shots!
Winter does offer us an interesting glimpse behind the curtain. Nice shot, Mike.
Nice Mike! They are fun to photograph!