Natural History Wanderings

There are over 50,000 wild turkeys roaming around in San Diego County. A few have even been spotted in Anza-Borrego Desert at Scissors Crossing, Tamarisk Grove, Ram’s Hill, De Anza & Borrego Valley! They are frequently seen on Banner Grade, in Julian & in Santa Ysabel.

These “wild” turkeys are descendants of 234 turkeys that were released near Sutherland Lake and Pine Hills in 1993 by the California Department of Fish & Game.

Males are called “toms” and can reach up to 4 feet tall and weigh 25 pounds. Females are called “hens” and weigh half as much.

A turkey’s gender can be determined by the shape of its droppings. A male’s poop is J-shaped, whereas a female’s poop is more spiral-shaped.

Turkeys are famous for their gobble. However, they can also chirp, peck, purr, yelp and make “kee-kee” sounds.

Wild turkeys almost became extinct in the early 20th century due to overhunting. Successful conservation efforts have resulted in over 7 million wild turkeys now roaming the US.

The fleshy appendage over the male’s beak is called a “snood” and helps the male find a suitable mate. Females prefer males with longer snoods.

Turkeys can see three times better than humans. However, they don’t see as well at night, so they fly up and sleep in trees overnight to protect themselves from predators.

Presential pardons for turkeys started in 1989.