Documentation of Wild Turkey
2015-021

Observer Information

Reporter:  Steve Stachowiak  8766 S. Appletree Pl.,   HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO  80126-2148
E-mail:  smka2@q.com
Other Observers: 

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Wild Turkey
First Date/Time:  6/25/2011 9:00:00 AM
Last Date/Time:  6/25/2011 9:10:00 AM
Duration (total time in view):  10 minutes
County:  Arapahoe
Specific Location:  Location Not Listed
Number:  10
Age:  Adult
Sex:  Female
Plumage:  Breeding

Habitat

Shrubbary in an office park

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  Swift Audubon 8.5 X 44
Distance:  10 yards
Light:  cloudy day

Description of the Bird

This is to establish the first county record for this species.

A hen and nine poults were observed feeding in and around the shrubbery at an office building.  I sat in my car and watched them as they grazed in unconcerned fashion.  The Wild Turkey being by far the largest gallinaceous species in North America makes the identification very straightforward.  A scaly gray head with peach fuzz type feathers, a large dark eye, blond colored bill and a wattle on the chin and front of the neck.  Down the neck and basically front two-thirds of the bird is a black/brown scalloped feather pattern with a greenish iridescence.  Slight whitish feather edging enhance the scalloped look on the belly.  The folded flight feathers were buff with black barring.  The lower back and rump had more of a tawny coloring in the pattern giving way to a brown tail with black barring and a black sub terminal band and a buff terminal band.  It had long, bare  pinkish/flesh colored legs.

Similar Species Discussion

There were no species that I would deem similar that needed to be considered or eliminated.

Resources Used

No resources other than my experience with this species.

Previous Experience

I have observed Wild Turkeys my entire life and have observed them numerous times in Colorado.

Notes

Memory

Materials Available





No files uploaded.

Date Documentation Submitted

2/18/2015 11:03:00 PM

Location Map

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