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.
As a backyard birdwatcher, you may occasionally spot a lone hen turkey wandering through your yard or fields. Her solitary appearance often leaves observers curious about where her flockmates have gone. While we tend to envision turkeys roaming together in large, social groups, there are a number of reasons a hen turkey may strike out on her own.
In this article we’ll explore the intriguing behaviors and biology behind why a hen turkey sometimes ventures alone without a flock.
Nesting Season Equals Solitude
One of the main reasons hens can be seen alone is that it’s prime nesting season.
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As spring approaches, hen turkeys’ hormones shift them into breeding mode. This triggers secretive, solitary behaviors to find safe nest sites away from predators and other turkeys that might disturb delicate eggs.
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Hens search far and wide over a large territory to identify the ideal secluded nesting spot, like a tuft of tall grass or thicket. This requires separating from flockmates and ranging independently.
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Once a satisfactory nest is built, the hen will spend nearly all her time incubating eggs alone She only leaves for quick daily feeding then returns immediately to the nest This total dedication lasts for at least 4 weeks until hatching.
So during nesting season, the independent nature of broody turkeys leads many hens to spend large portions of time separated from others. If you spot a lone hen in spring, chances are high she has a precious clutch of eggs hidden away somewhere that’s occupying all her attention.
Abandoned Nests Lead to Lone Hens
Not all nests are successful though. Nest failure can also lead to solitary hens roaming without a flock.
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Severe storms, flooding, or predator attacks can destroy nests, causing hens to fully abandon them. These hens then go off alone to find new suitable nesting areas.
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If a hen stops getting broody, becomes stressed, or runs low on nutrition, she may leave the nest prematurely. These failed nests also result in lone hens.
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Once poults hatch, if high predation picks off the babies or harsh weather leads to chick death, the hen is left to fend for herself once again.
So lone hens are sometimes actually mothers who lost their offspring and are searching for better luck with their next nest.
Independent Personalities Lead Some Hens Astray
While most hen turkeys are very social and remain with flocks, some exhibit more independent personalities. These less social hens are the ones likely to wander off habitually on their own apart from the group.
Possible reasons these lone wolf hens stray include:
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They are lower on the pecking order so leave to escape flock bullying
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They are bold explorers wandering to scope out new areas
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They prefer isolated spaces and avoid crowded conditions
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They have unique nutritional needs sending them foraging farther afield
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They simply enjoy meandering and solitude more than staying with others
So hen turkeys with more aloof, adventurous dispositions account for some portion of lone hens spotted as well. Their independent spirit compels them to take to the woods alone.
The Ever-Changing Flock Dynamics of Turkeys
Importantly, we have to remember flocks are always in flux with turkeys coming and going. So a hen alone one day inevitably regroups with others later.
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As the breeding season changes, hen turkeys’ hormones fluctuate, shifting their social tendencies.
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Local conditions also influence flocks, with turkeys congregating when food is abundant then dispersing when it’s scarce.
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Dominant leaders arise while lower birds get displaced, causing frequent rearrangements.
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Young males get driven off to form bachelor flocks while young hens join female flocks.
So a hen alone today likely rejoins a flock tomorrow as conditions and social ranks change. Perpetual motion and flexibility define the turkey world!
Appreciating the Solitary Hen’s Resilience
When we understand the many reasons behind a lone hen’s solo travels, it engenders respect for her self-reliance. As we observe these solitary hens, we should appreciate:
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Her fierce dedication to incubating a nest for weeks, protecting the future of her offspring.
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Her endless search for the perfect secluded nest site to safely lay her eggs.
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Her resilience if she loses a nest and must start the process over alone.
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Her ability to range far and wide scoping out better feeding areas.
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Her spirited independence if she chooses the solitary path.
While most enjoy the social bonds of a flock, the turkey hen’s ability to strike out alone when needed proves a remarkable adaptation. So next time you spot a lone hen, take a moment to admire her self-sufficiency!
Frequently Asked Questions About Solitary Hen Turkeys
To gain more insight into the solitary lives of hen turkeys, let’s explore some common questions:
Do hen turkeys travel alone?
Hen turkeys spend most of their time in all-female flocks. But during nesting season, they become very secretive and solitary to hide their nest location. A hen will temporarily leave the flock to lay eggs before returning.
Can a turkey hen live alone?
Turkeys are highly social flock animals for safety. But hen turkeys have adapted to spend extended periods alone to incubate nests successfully. However, solitary living year-round would be very stressful and risky for a hen turkey.
Do hen turkeys stay on their nest at night?
Yes, once a hen turkey starts incubating eggs, she remains on the nest continually night and day. She only leaves for very brief periods to feed herself. This dedication lasts for the 28 days until hatching.
Are female wild turkeys lone hens?
Female wild turkeys are called hens. We most often notice them alone during the breeding months when they have left the flock to nest. But outside of nesting, hens seek out other hens for flocking.
How do male turkeys attract female turkeys?
Male turkeys perform courtship displays like spreading their tail feathers, puffing their feathers up, and gobbling loudly. These rituals attract the attention of female hens for mating within large flocks led by a dominant male.
So while hen turkeys certainly enjoy社会生活, they are also remarkably adapted to fly solo when breeding duties call. The next time you spot a lone hen, appreciate her impressive resilience honed through evolution.
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.