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Published on 03/22/1999 All articles from this issue

Beware ruffled feathers

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

Love-struck turkeys in hot pursuit at Rancho San Antonio

In among peaceful deer, coyotes, bobcats and raccoons in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, you may be surprised by a love-crazed wild turkey looking for a mate to share his territory.

From February through May, amorous male gobblers flap their wings and strut their stuff looking for a mate. It's breeding time for wild turkeys, and they have been known to peck or fly at people.

"We don't want to alarm people, but we want them to be aware of the wild bird's behavior during the mating season," said Carleen Bruins, visitor service supervisor for MidPeninsula Regional Open Space District.

"The rest of the year, everything is fine, but during breeding season they are unpredictable - they show their masculine vigor to entice females into their territory," Bruins said.

According to district officials, male turkeys have been known to behave aggressively toward hikers at Rancho San Antonio. The turkeys at this popular preserve have grown accustomed to people and are less timid than most wild turkeys.

Bruins suggests if you encounter these birds, avoid getting closer than 30 feet and keep young children close to you at all times.

"If they get closer than 30 feet, start clapping your hands and make noise to discourage the turkey from approaching," Bruins said. "Resist the urge to run because running away may encourage the turkey to chase you, and don't feed them."

Signs have been posted in different areas of the preserve. District rangers have posted trail signs advising visitors to leave the birds alone.

Rangers suggest hikers carry an umbrella. If a gobbler charges, open and close the umbrella to confuse the love-stricken male.

The state Department of Fish and Game, in a booklet on game birds, describes wild turkeys as similar in appearance to domestic turkeys, but with more brilliant colors. The turkeys weigh up to 25 pounds.

They're found in New England and much of the East Coast, but are not native to California. They were introduced to the state by the Department of Fish and Game in 1908. They eat mostly plant matter, acorns, seeds, insects and berries. Fortunately for us, they don't eat meat.