Feathers and Fuzz

one woman's cure for the empty-nester blues

Wild Turkey Who Thinks He Is A Pet Dog

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Along the road I travel to my house, there’s a resident wild turkey who thinks he is a pet dog.  He has adopted a couple, Ben and Judy, and hangs out in their yard most days.  If you dare to slow down in front of Ben and Judy’s house, you will be met by an aggressive guard-turkey — running straight at your car, wings flailing.

The other day, I happened to be headed out when Mr. Turkey and his humans were out for their afternoon walk.  (Ben and Judy are awesome neighbors — combining exercise with picking up debris along the road.)  Mr. Turkey struts along with his humans.  No leash required.  Well, that was until I showed up on the road walking toward the trio.  Mr. Turkey went into defense mode — moving ahead of Ben and Judy — toward me.  Judy stepped off the road to break a twig she would use to show the turkey who is boss.  There was never an intent to strike the turkey, but Mr. Turkey immediately scooted behind Ben like a child who had just been scolded.  Ben warned him, finger waving:  “You behave!”

The only time the turkey broke from his defensive posture was when a car approached.  To further demonstrate his canine leanings, off he trotted to chase the car down the road.  I can’t even tell you how many times he has chased my car.  If I slow down, he struts up to my car window and glares at me.  So far, my Pit Bull passenger has slept through this face-to-face confrontation — a good thing for all of us!

Enjoy the video — A Wild Turkey Who Thinks He Is A Pet Dog

As for the less-than-perfect video, please keep in mind I was walking backward — NEVER taking my eye off the large-taloned bird who stood half my height!

Polar Bear Plunge: Bluebird Style

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Do birds really use a birdbath in winter?  You bet!  Even though Georgia has faced weeks of temps ranging from the teens to the low 30's, birds are all over the property -- constantly at/in the birdbaths (and chowing down at every feeder).

The photo harkens back to my Scandinavian roots -- the blue and yellow of the Swedish flag.  It's truly amazing there were no Finch busy-bodies to muddy the image.  

Swedish Colors 2018

Eastern Bluebird and Pine Warbler

Carrying forward the Scandinavian theme, the featured video confirms that birds happily participate in the Polar Bear Plunge.  The 30 degree temps didn't deter a female Eastern Bluebird one bit as she goes all-in.  Naturally, numerous Finch busy-bodies danced ringside.

I, on the other hand, headed for a warm shower.  Minnesota roots or not, there's just something about observing icy bathing that makes the chill run deep.  Reminds me of my friend with Vermont roots.  She LOVES to send me pictures of her mom's lab, Buster, going for a winter swim amid ice chunks floating in the river.  Yeah.  I take a lot of warm showers in the winter.