The Evening Turkey Show

by Robert Mumby

Part 1: Taking Flight, or RVM’s Green Runway

It was not a dark and stormy night but darkening twilight, warm and with a clear sky. I was walking back to the Plaza after the fine performance of Hula O Nuku Aina when I noticed several turkeys in the Manor driveway, heading toward the “South Forty.” It was nearly dark so they were most likely heading for some trees on which to spend the night. I detoured to the upper South Forty walkway to watch the turkeys fly into the trees.

One turkey was on its chosen branch, some 15 feet up on an oak tree next to the sidewalk. It looked around nervously, no doubt wondering if it was high enough to avoid Stan and his minions (not knowing the ferocious Dave has taken over). This turkey must be an outcast; I have noticed that the rest of the flock will chase it away.

The other turkeys were at the top of the steeply sloping lawn. Suddenly one sprinted down hill, its long thick legs a blur of speed and its neck stretched far forward. Then with a running jump and unfolding of its wings, it was airborne. Strong strokes of its mighty wings propelled it up and up to finally hit near the top of a feathery-limbed conifer about 100 feet high. It hit at speed and branches flew up and down and crossways, and then the bird disappeared as the branches closed about it. More experienced turkeys aim for more open and top branches.

Turkey-10 — Wait, we need to organize and take turns.

I can do a short take-off from the top of the hill.

I’m not waiting. I know how to do short take-offs.

Part II: Too Many Turkeys on a Few Thin Branches?

I returned, a little late, to the Turkey show some days later. A half dozen turkeys were already in one of the conifers. They crowded the upper branches, two or more trying to perch on the same swaying branch. There was only a slight breeze but still some of the big birds had balance problems. They extended their tails, just as tight rope walkers use umbrellas. Others had to use tail and wings, and even then some birds were forced to flutter to another branch.

Later, Hannelore Herbig told me she has watched the show. It starts with the Alpha Tom gathering the flock and leading it to the South Forty. Most of the turkeys gather at the top of the lawn and wait for the leader to fly up to the chosen tree first.