Had a hen turkey in the backyard yesterday. Alone. I’ve seen more than a few adult hens wandering about recently with no poults.
Sure, it is possible that the hen has a nest nearby and is simply out feeding. But most of the nesting should be done by now. A more dire suggestion is that the unusually persistent rains and cold nights have killed the majority of the poults, who are vulnerable at this time of year.
They have not yet developed feathers and thus have no protection against the wet, then lethally cold conditions.
Yes, hens can lose an entire clutch and go nest again, laying more eggs. But that cannot happen indefinitely.
Biologists I’ve questioned this year are split on the extent of this spring’s weather kill, but all agree that some young birds are probably gone.
Last week’s column on the slim possibility of dove hunting being legislated into New York’s future drew plenty of questions. Some were from people who don’t like hunting; others simply don’t like me. But most were from non-hunters who sincerely wanted to know why anyone would want to shoot a dove.
Satisfactorily explaining that to anyone who does not hunt birds is difficult, if not impossible. Most do not find the answer acceptable, and understandably so.
I mean, should we tell the non-hunter, “We should be able to shoot doves because 42 other states do;” or “We want to shoot doves because it is great wingshooting sport;” or how about “We want to shoot doves because there are lots of them and we ought to be able to kill a few.”
True, doves can be excellent table fare. They are practically diet food since one burns more calories getting meat off the bones than are provided by the tiny breasts.
Consider that crow hunting is regulated but legal and there is a season on merganzers, and people do not eat either. Can’t explain that one satisfactorily, either.
Other aspects of the column were also questioned. It was pointed out, for instance, that the mourning dove isn’t the bird of peace, as was noted in the column. My bad, there. Turns out the bird of peace is the white turtle dove, a subspecies of the European turtle dove. They do not exist in North America and, thus, are safe from American gunners.
The statement that seven New England states do not have dove hunting seasons was challenged because there are only six New England states. Actually, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service cited seven northeastern states, not New England states.
An interested observer also noted that the photo that ran with the column was a rock pigeon, not a dove. That one confused me, too. For the record, columnists do not select photos to be published.
Wild turkeys are highly social, so seeing a female turkey wandering solo may seem peculiar. However, there are natural reasons hens periodically break away from their flock. Understanding typical turkey behavior helps explain why females might be spotted alone.
Nesting Drives Seclusion
The most common reason female wild turkeys spend time alone is nesting. Turkeys breed in late winter into spring. By early April, hens begin seeking suitable nesting sites with dense vegetation or brush for concealment.
A hen will lay 1 egg per day until her clutch of 10-12 eggs is complete. She requires absolute seclusion during the 25-28 day incubation period to avoid attracting predators to the nest.
While largely solitary nesting hens remain near areas frequented by other turkeys. But during incubation periods a female will be extremely reclusive and appear to be a “lone” turkey.
Maternal Separation After Hatching
Female wild turkeys continue to spend extensive time alone post-hatching as they rear poults (chicks). To keep vulnerable poults safe, hens isolate them from the flock for 4-6 weeks after hatching.
The devoted mother guides her brood to food sources, provides warmth, and closely protects them. This maternal separation lasts until poults mature enough to integrate into the wider flock.
Lower Social Status Can Lead to Isolation
The dominance hierarchy within turkey flocks means some hens are lower ranking and more marginalized. As flocks restructure seasonally, subordinate females may get excluded completely.
A solitary, anxious hen repeatedly driven off by aggressors is likely a case of social exclusion. This type of isolation indicates a perpetual lack of flock companions rather than temporary seclusion.
Personality and Predilection
Turkey hens have well-defined individual personalities. While most are social, some hens are natural loners or wanderers that choose solitude. These independent personalities seem fulfilled roaming and foraging on their own.
If a solo hen appears healthy and content, her status could simply reflect an innate predilection for alone time rather than exclusion. As long as she can integrate into flocks when needed, this turkey likely needs no intervention.
Signs a Solitary Hen Needs Help
While momentary isolation is normal, an extended solo status or these signs could indicate a female turkey needs assistance:
- Limping, injured, or ill appearance
- Constantly pacing, distressed vocalizing
- Loitering near buildings or people
- Remaining solitary across multiple seasons
- Acting lethargic with poor feather condition
A hen exhibiting consistent issues is likely struggling to survive alone. Contacting wildlife rehabilitators to assess her welfare may be warranted.
Appreciating Glimpses of Solo Hens
Seeing a female wild turkey on her own is a special chance to observe intimate behaviors. A vigilant hen foraging with poults in tow shows the remarkable instinct driving maternal care.
Catching a nesting hen briefly emerge from seclusion provides a rare window into the solitary incubation period vital for sustaining wild turkey populations.
Even females excluded from flocks elicit empathy and reminder of turkeys’ social nature. While most solo hens are simply exhibiting natural behaviors, their vulnerability when alone is eye-opening.
So although unusual, spotting a female turkey going solo offers unique perspective into the turkey experience. By understanding solitary tendencies in hens, we can better support the well-being of these captivating birds.
Fly tying open house
Badger Creek Fly Tying in Freeville will host its 10th annual Open House from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
Joe Cambridge and Clayton Maybee will conduct fly tying demonstrations and Carol Farkus will give free casting lessons.
The shop is located at 622 West Dryden Rd. in Freeville.
For information, call Mike Hogue at 347-4946, email him at [email protected] or visit the website www.eflytyer.com.
5 FACTS | Wild Turkey (True Facts)
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