Two subspecies of Wild Turkey are found in Utah, Merriam’s Turkey and the Rio Grande Turkey. They’re very similar in appearance and are best distinguished by their distinctive habitat requirements. Merriam’s is a mountain bird while the “Rio” prefers river bottoms in cottonwoods and oak brush. Another difference is that Merriam’s migrates vertically (up and down mountains) with the season while the Rio does not migrate.
1/400, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This is a Merriam’s Wild Turkey, photographed about six weeks ago in Utah’s Stansbury Mountains. Many turkeys in Utah become acclimated to civilization and feed in rural pastures, yards and even towns but this bird and the others that were with it were truly wild. I was lucky to get any shots of these extremely wary birds at all. Even though this image isn’t perfect I much prefer an image like this in natural and wild habitat than in a setting that is obviously “civilized”.
Whenever I see wild turkeys I always notice that weird fleshy (and erectile) projection coming off the top of their bills. The next time you want to play a friendly game of “gotcha” with a knowledgeable birder ask them if they know what it is. It’s called a “snood”…
I seldom make holiday-themed posts but this Thanksgiving is an exception. Family has always meant a lot to me but with my daughter Shannon so close to death recently from a fall and resulting brain injury I find myself thinking of family almost constantly, especially her. Shannon remains in the hospital in Florida and continues to make slow but steady progress in many areas, though the extent of her eventual recovery is unknown. Her mother has been with her since I left Florida after the accident and for that I’m very grateful.
A year ago today, last Thanksgiving, Shannon was here in Utah with me as we celebrated the holiday together. This Thanksgiving will be a completely different experience but I’m so very grateful that I still have a daughter and that her recovery is progressing.
I hope that all of my readers have a wonderful holiday and get to experience it with family and other loved ones. Never take family for granted. Ever…
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
Ron
I know I am a bit late, but I wanted to wish you a Happy and peaceful Thanksgiving . I am greatful for all of your beautiful photographs and stories that brighten up my mornings. I have learned a lot from you and have seen some birds that I never knew existed. I continue to pray for Shannon and hope that each day brings even the smallest improvement . Thank you Ron.
Your Daughter is so pretty Ron, and I’m sure a wonderful person. You do have so much to be thankful for. I’m glad she is progressing. Family is a big part of recuperating, so I know she appreciates everyone who has been there for her. When I was in my 30’s, my Uncle (who was like my Dad in ways) had a bad stroke. He had a few years of PT, and made great progress. It can happen. I pray your Daughter does just as well.
Love your picture. Pretty Turkey, framed by Juniper. I agree. Normal habitat is always the best.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Seeing your beautiful photo of this proud bird gives me another reason to be glad that I stopped eating all meat 7 years ago. 😊
Thank you for a lovely Thanksgiving post, Ron. Keeping good thoughts for you and your beloved daughter.
I appreciate all the kind comments, everyone. Thanks very much!
Happy Thanksgiving.
And hugs.
Ron:
My prayers for you and your daughter, Shannon. I hope you have a happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for all of the wonderful images you’ve provided. I’ve enjoyed your photos immensely. I also want to tell you how much I enjoy the information you include. For instance, it never occurred to me there are subspecies of turkeys. I suppose that’s because there is only the eastern subspecies in Missouri where I live (BTW, I just looked that up). You add to my knowledge and enrich my life every day. Thank you.
Jack Cowan
St. Louis
Thanksgiving 2015
Dear Shannon…
I know you are not yet likely to consciously “receive” this message yet, but it needs to be sent anyway…I just wanted you to know that I, and so many, many others,(worldwide ) am very, very thankful that you are still part of this crazy, mixed up, but still amazing,wonderful, beautiful world. Through your father’s obvious pride and love for you, and ours for him, we feel you are part of our “world-wide internet Feathered Photography family”, too. As such, we were devasted to learn of your accident, but then so very, VERY grateful to hear of your survival. We have sent, and will continue to send you our prayers, best wishes, most positive energies, and most powerful hopes for your recovery. We know it has been,and will be, a bumpy road with many ups and downs. Recovery Road is like that, but it will get you where you need to go—just “keep on keeping on” and you’ll make it. Like a strong, warm wind helping you along, we’ll be at your back for the trip…
Love,
Shannon’s Team, The Feathered Photography Family
Well said, Patty. Thank you!
Wow, Patty! Thank you. When the time is right I’ll make sure that Shannon sees this.
Patty, very well said and much appreciated by everyone!!
Image isn’t perfect? Usually when you say that, I see it. Not this time! Great image. Prayers for you and your daughter.
Richard, for me the imperfections in this image include the bright rocks behind the turkey and the soft feathers near the tail.
Ron, I am so glad to hear that Shannon is continuing to progress. I have been remembering her in my prayers. Love the Wild Turkey photo. And I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving.
I’m thinking that you are quietly thankful that at least you were able to have Shannon at home with you last year at this time. The photo of you two together that you’ve
displayed twice on your blog shows the warmth between you so clearly…….I’m hoping that maybe NEXT Thanksgiving you’ll be able to repeat that portrait, whether in
Florida or in Utah .
I really like the turkey7 photo and the habitat! In Montana I see them in pastures frequently. Many years ago we were riding in the country and came upon a turkey farm. I got out of the car to make a picture of them. When they saw me, they all ran furiously towards me, probably thinking I was there to feed them! Still have a movies of those turkeys running straight toward the camera!
Shannon and you remain in my prayers. Have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving Ron and best wishes to you and your family.
Best wishes to you and for your daughter. I live in England now and my sons are in Wisconsin and Oregon so I feel the distance during holidays. Knowing what you are experiencing helps me be grateful – like you – to have these wonderful sons and enjoy them even from a distance. Lovely image of the noble bird.
Happy Thanksgiving, Ron to you and your Family with daily prayers sent up for Shannon!! Oh & love the info on your local turkeys. Mine’s just been put in the oven!!
Perhaps it’s because I seldom see good pictures of turkeys but this bird is magnificent looking; almost regal. Well done, Ron. I wish your daughter a speedy recovery. Thank you for this wonderful blog, something I look forward to each morning. Happy Thanksgiving.
We have truly wild turkeys in Arkansas, hear them a lot. Get to see them in the distance or every once in awhile they will cross the road in front of us and pull their disappearing act. Doubt that I will ever get a picture of one. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving, Ron.
Happy Thanksgiving Ron. Wishing Shannon a painless and full recovery.
Thank you for the education on the Wild Turkey’s. Recently I was wondering about these beauties and your post has motivated me to learn more about the species past my current “knowledge” of “Wild Turkey”.
Thx for the Thanksgiving “gift” – beautiful bird. Glad Shannon continues to progress even if it’s slow and many unknowns ahead for her. Have a great Thanksgiving.
Keeping Shannon wrapped in my heart. And happy Thanksgiving to you, too. I’m truly thankful for your posts every morning. Thank you!
We don’t celebrate this holiday here in Portugal but nevertheless I wish you a pleasant Thanksgivin day.
May Shannon recovery be steady and complete.
We also have turkeys here (“Peru”,in portuguese) but they are a bit different from yours. We usually eat them on Christmas Eve.
My wife reminded me that we had seen another picture of a SNOOD-a mall tipped hat. GOOGLE “snood ditches of Windsor”
Autocorrect be damned: small tipped hat, Dutchess of Windsor- another beautiful young woman. Thoughts are with you and yours this holiday.
Family is the bottom line, family is what made this country! Our heartfelt prayers and thoughts are with you Ron, our family today – have good dinner, invigorating conversation and a joyous Thanksgiving!
Thanks for the thanksgiving turkey and the thoughts about family. I’m keeping track of Shannon’s progress via the link you provided.
Dear Ron, Happy Thanksgiving With the conviction that your daughter will eventually make a full recovery.
Amen Ron! Happy Thanksgiving to and yours! Shannon is in my thoughts and prayers! Beautiful Wild Turkey photo!
Happy Thanksgiving Ron.