Wild Turkey in Scarborough: February 2021

Growing up in Scarborough in a family which loved looking for birds, I never once heard of any Wild Turkeys being spotted nearby.

In fact, the last Wild Turkey in Ontario was shot near London Ontario in 1885. Over time, many have been re-introduced to the point where they are now in Scarborough. Impressive!

Here is the wildlife that I was able to photograph at a park feeder near Highland Creek.

Wild Turkey (female)
Wild Turkey (female)
Wild Turkey (female)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (female)

Some kind soul has been slathering the tree bark with peanut butter.

Red-bellied Woodpecker (female)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (female)
Red-bellied Woodpecker (female)
Red Squirrel
Red Squirrel
Mourning Dove
Downy Woodpecker (female)
Downy Woodpecker (male)
Downy Woodpecker (male)
Gray Squirrel
Northern Cardinal (female)
Northern Cardinal (male)
American Robin
Black Squirrel
Black-capped Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
Blue Jay
Blue Jay
Blue Jay
Dark-eyed Junco (male)

I received this from several people who tell me that it is “cool” and “fun to play with.” I agree. A good way to learn or brush up on your birdcall skills.

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/bird_songs_interactive/index.html

NATURE POETRY

Within my Garden, rides a Bird
Upon a single Wheel –
Whose spokes a dizzy Music make
As ’twere a travelling Mill –

He never stops, but slackens
Above the Ripest Rose –
Partakes without alighting
And praises as he goes,

Till every spice is tasted –
And then his Fairy Gig
Reels in remoter atmospheres –
And I rejoin my Dog, – Emily Dickinson

Miles Hearn

1 thought on “Wild Turkey in Scarborough: February 2021

  1. Lisa Volkov

    “And I rejoin my Dog.” Great last line, Emily!
    I am looking forward to trying that bird call site. What a great idea! Great to see all those birds and critters in the pictures, and the peanut butter–very nice. Terrific Wild Turkeys–we had one at Bickford Park for a very long time (I used to go there with my dog, pre-COVID), before it disappeared one day–I don’t know what happened to it, I hope nothing bad. Wildlife people advised against trying to catch it, and I heard that some neighbours were looking out for it at the time. They are certainly superb-looking birds. Thanks, Miles!

    Reply

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