You’ve seen, perhaps even own, an electric clock which announces each hour with a different songbird call. They are rather clever.
During November, in the United States, the talk often turns to another bird. This one is larger than the dozen featured on the clock. And while it lost the prestige of becoming the national bird and symbol, he certainly gets lots of press.
There are two major varieties. The wild kind is just that — wild. In the portions of the country where they have been re-introduced in recent decades they have a strong reputation. Hunters enjoy testing their skill. Farmers complain about the damage to crops — especially when they move into an area in large numbers.
The domestic ones are raised in large barns to the sound of ventilation fans refreshing the air. Dependent upon humans, they do one job well — eat and grow. You will find them in the freezer case of the supermarket. They are present year-round, but abundant from now to the end of the year.
Tom’s goal is to avoid becoming the centerpiece at your feast.
Turkeys in the backyards,
turkeys on the street,
turkeys chase people,
mailmen, firemen, police.
Here in Eau Claire WI,
turkeys climb on decks,,
prevents cars progress
won’t let children play in parks.
Remember the story of the turkeys eating the crab apples after a few frosts. And falling out of the trees — drunk?
Oh yes, I saw nearly 10 staggering about the Wisconsin Public Radio parking lot last Wednesday. New interns giggle watching the drunken birds. Drivers into the lot have to wait until a crowd of gobblers wander off to park their cars.