Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, usually don’t approach the house so close as they can detect our Newfoundland Hikari. This animal was visiting our bird feeders. For such a large bird, it is amazing how fast they can disappear into the forest. Their plumage is like an invisibility cloak, even with their blue and red heads

This turkey was alone. A little earlier in the year, the males, called Toms, flock in larger groups. We usually see pairs or small groups of these birds. This is a female, while growing to 36″ or 91 cm, is a foot or 25 cm shorter than the males. Hunted almost to extinction in the 19th century, the wild turkey population is growing in Maine. Unfortunately, while a great runner, it does not fly very well and many are killed on the roads. Click on the images for a larger view.