The big takeaway is that the turkey population is flourishing. Thriving!
The following photos were taken at several locations, three different time periods and judging from the size of the poults (first-born of 2018) these broods hatched at varying intervals and have been raised by different hens.
Wisconsin wild turkeys mate from February thru April and hens lay between 10-12 eggs during a two week period. Continuous incubation begins when the last egg is laid. The hen will only leave for a short period to feed and may remain on the nest for several consecutive days and the eggs will be incubated for 26-28 days. Predators of turkey eggs and poults include snakes, raccoons, skunk, fox, coyote and possum. If a nest is destroyed or otherwise depredated a hen will make up to two additional attempts at renesting.
Following a successful hatch the day-old poults learn to respond to the hen’s putt or alarm call before leaving the nest and will respond by freezing or running to hide beneath the hen if she sounds the alarm. Within hours poults learn to peck at food items by mimicking their mother’s behavior.
By fall, the pecking order (pun intended) among the sibling group has been established and the young flocks are ready to enter the social hierarchy of the larger local population of turkeys.
From September 1 - there is this group - smaller in size suggesting a later hatch or renesting.
click on image for a closer look
From September 13 - there is this group taking the easy route on the trail I cleared thru the thickest part of the woods. Again, judging from the number of hens perhaps a collection of several broods.
Given the late spring blizzard that snowed-out most hunter's first season spring turkey draw it is refreshing to see the local population thriving as they are.
It's a welcoming sort of neighborhood around these parts.
Raising a toast to conserving wildlife habitat....
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