Wild Turkey tom displaying close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I spent a bit of time observing and photographing this Wild Turkey tom strutting and displaying in Box Elder County, Utah. There was a flock of about 20 to 25 male and female turkeys in my view. This male seemed the most intent on strutting and displaying for the hens so I had him in my viewfinder more often than the other turkeys. The light was nice, the temp was on the cool side, and as the tom strutted he called and gobbled.
I noticed that this tom turkey’s snood and dewlap were the most prominent and colorful of the male turkeys in this small flock.
Tom Wild Turkey displaying in northern Utah – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was challenging to photograph the tom out in the open and by himself because the slope was dotted with sage and rabbitbrush plus the other nearby turkeys were often included in the images I took of him. I managed to take a few photos where he was by himself though.
There are times when I hear Wild Turkeys before I see them but yesterday I spotted these crossing a road before the male started displaying and calling. I only had the turkeys in sight for about three minutes and then they walked into the sage and practically disappeared from my view.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Wild Turkey photos plus facts and information about this species.
I had no idea wild turkeys were so colorful with so many different feather patterns. (Did I say it right?) At any rate that Tom is one beautiful bird! Thanks Mia.
Yet another marvel that you see and I will not.
Many thanks.
They are a beautiful bird. Very nice photos!
He is a handsome, handsome bird. I like both angles you’ve captured — one showcasing his dark, luscious feathers and the other showing how those feathers light up.