Wild Turkeys In The Cove

It seems odd to me that as I write this I recall seeing photos of turkey poults (chicks) on the Internet taken here in Maryland.  Less than a week ago, in Cades Cove we watched wild turkeys displaying, fighting, and breeding.  I would have thought that breeding activity would have ended in the South by now.  Once again, there is always something new to learn about our natural world.

Two gobblers (males) are circling and displaying for a hen...

 

Each gobbler is hoping to mate with her...

 

 

After several minutes of the circling and displaying behavior the larger gobbler begins to try to intimidate his rival into leaving the hen alone...

 

When intimidation does not work the gobblers ensnare necks and begin flogging each other...

 

 

Size and experience prevail as the smaller gobbler backs off...

 

 

The smaller gobbler finally retreats, still trying to display for the hen...

 

 

 

Now the hen and the "Boss" gobbler can get down to the business of mating...

 

 

Gobblers in strut are impressive birds, with their tail feathers fanned to the fullest and their wings dragging on the ground, they march back and forth to impress the hens...

 

 

Their gobbles can he heard for a considerable distance, letting the hens know where they are...

 

When the breeding frenzy has ended, they are back to feeding...

 

 

Thanks for sharing this turkey encounter with me.  I think I have one more post to make with photos from the Cove.  You won't want to miss them.