Tom Wild Turkey with a really long beard – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On my three recent trips up into the Wasatch Mountains I have been able to take Wild Turkey images on two of the chilly mornings. The third morning I saw one Wild Turkey hen but was unable to get photos of her. I was on a winding, narrow road in a switchback and didn’t dare stop long enough to focus on her.
On the first of the three trips I saw four Wild Turkey toms way out in a field and stopped to take photos of them. Three of the toms had very long beards. The tom turkey in this photo had the longest beard I have ever photographed on a Wild Turkey. His beard was dragging on the ground! I hope he stays safe.
Creekside Wild Turkey tom – Nikon D500, f11, 1/500, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Later on that trip into the mountains I found four tom turkeys near a creek. Two were resting on the ground and the other two were foraging for breakfast. This male caught my eyes because of the brilliant, rich colors of his plumage. The sunlight was hitting his feathers are a perfect angle which made the colors stand out and glow.
Colors in a Wild Turkey tom’s plumage – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On the second trip while I was photographing chipmunks in a chokecherry four Wild Turkey toms wandered into my view and they were close. My problem was a metal gate that blocked parts of each of the turkeys. I decided to take a few close up photos of this tom’s plumage because I loved the colors.
I always enjoy seeing and photographing the Wild Turkeys that I find here in northern Utah.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Wild Turkey photos plus facts and information about this species.
Well, here’s another one for my ornithological knowledge…I didn’t know turkeys had ‘beards’. Very interesting. Also, I agree with EC that the turkey’s iridescent plumage is beautiful. Terrific shots! Thanks Mia.
I have been seeing many turkeys this year, which has been surprising since hunting season started Oct 1 and runs through February. I hope they keep alluding the hunters up there!
You are so right about those colours. Resplendent and gorgeous. Thank you.