Note the stacks in the background
Bearded hen? I thought the beard meant it was a gobbler?It's one thing when a turkey fights its reflection in your window...but when a rutting buck tries it, he can do a lot of damage. I think your bearded hen is just wanting to chat.![]()
Bearded hens aren't very common, but they are around. I've seen several, and they've all been in areas where I've seen gobblers with multiple beards, so it's probably a genetic thing....I'm guessing, of course. Some studies say that 10-20% of wild turkey hens have beards. Hen beards can be long, but they're usually thin and wispy. They differ from deer oddities, such as antlered does, in that bearded hens are fully capable of breeding and raising young. When I'm hunting, I look for the beard first, and then I check the head color. If it's predominately blue, it's a hen.Bearded hen? I thought the beard meant it was a gobbler?
That is good information that I did not know. I've been assuming it was a gobbler b/c of the beard, as I believe PA hunting regulations specify a 3" beard required for spring harvest. I have noticed that there were no spurs and that there wasn't much wattle, nor much red on the head, and she's very docile. Mystery solved! Appreciate it.Bearded hens aren't very common, but they are around. I've seen several, and they've all been in areas where I've seen gobblers with multiple beards, so it's probably a genetic thing....I'm guessing, of course. Some studies say that 10-20% of wild turkey hens have beards. Hen beards can be long, but they're usually thin and wispy. They differ from deer oddities, such as antlered does, in that bearded hens are fully capable of breeding and raising young. When I'm hunting, I look for the beard first, and then I check the head color. If it's predominately blue, it's a hen.
Yeah, a lot of states only require that a beard be visible, since it can be sometimes difficult to tell toms from hens.That is good information that I did not know. I've been assuming it was a gobbler b/c of the beard, as I believe PA hunting regulations specify a 3" beard required for spring harvest. I have noticed that there were no spurs and that there wasn't much wattle, nor much red on the head, and she's very docile. Mystery solved! Appreciate it.
What kind of turkey is that? Vary interesting coloration.Tom was here.................. See the tail only in number 4, lower left. Last shot was through the trees with a manual focus lens, flying down and away. The wild turkey is one of the most beautiful birds ever while in flight. And pretty good looking when fanning too.
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Nice! I'm guessing a 2 year old based on the shape of those spurs.Tom was here.................. See the tail only in number 4, lower left. Last shot was through the trees with a manual focus lens, flying down and away. The wild turkey is one of the most beautiful birds ever while in flight. And pretty good looking when fanning too.
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He looks like an Eastern.What kind of turkey is that? Vary interesting coloration.
Your driveway looks like a prime turkey hunting spot.My lot is the only selective-logged area around. As a result, I have a lot of deer and turkeys around.
My driveway is the first open area in the spring. I was inside tapping away at the keyboard and I here a ruckus outside. Dozens of turkeys in the driveway. I remember a time when turkeys were seldom seen and elusive in New England.
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If they get outta hand, just let me know. I'd like to offer my free eradication services. Wisconsin is generous with non-resident hunting tags.They like to peck at the windows here too. I've seen them jump and fly almost straight up to get to food. We have a bird feeder on a tall pole that has been no match for them.
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Use a bow. They're quieter. She'll never notice.My wife says that I'm not allowed to eat our backyard turkeys.![]()