Talking Turkey

Here a photo of the guys that visit my feeders for corn several times a week.

They are part of a flock of turkeys that congregate together in our neighborhood every winter.

We haven't seen too much of the birds so far this year. Until we had our recent snow, they stayed mostly in the woods, where they were still able to find acorns and other foods. This year has been very mild, without much snow at all here. Usually, by February, I have about 25-30 turkeys at my feeders for corn every day. When the snow is very deep, they can't scratch down thru it to get to their food.

There are many cultural references to turkeys that are less than flattering. However, if you really examine the wild turkey, as opposed to the overbred domesticated birds, you'll find a wiley bird with beautiful plumage. They actually can fly for short distances, and it always startles me to see them roosting in trees. Turkeys can also run really fast, although it does look slightly silly. They are native to North America.

Turkey, as a being, has been respected in many earth traditions, and are part of the mythological stories of the Native Americans, Aztecs and Mayans. Turkey is signified by the aspect of shared blessings and the harvest. Hen turkeys will share a nest in which they lay their eggs. They take turns sitting, ensuring a larger,more successful brood. turkeys frind strength in numbers. The turkey is also associated with wisdom and growth. This is because of the mainstay of their forest diet, acorns. Acorns are symbols of new growth and hidden wisdom.

If a turkey (or a turkey feather) turns up in your life, you may want to look at the blessings in your life that are shared with others. You should be aware of opportunities for new growth that will come your way!
If you ever see a turkey fanning his feathers in the sun, you will be amazed by brilliant red, green and brown colors! Beauty in the most ungainly of creatures!