Strutting Their Stuff

Canon EOS 6D, EF 600mm f/4 IS USM   F/5.6, 1/400 ISO-800

As spring grows nearer wild turkey gobbler's are being seen more frequently strutting and gobbling. 

 

 

I have not observed any interest on the part of the hens yet but it won't be long before they will join in and the mating season will begin in earnest. 

 

The normal impression of a wild turkey seen at a distance is that of a large bald-headed black bird, but when seen close-up in good light the iridescent feathers of a mature gobbler glow as if illuminated from within with a multi-colored sheen.  

 

I am always amazed at how quickly a gobbler's head can change colors.  Normally a dark drab bluish hue with some red mixed, in the turkeys head can change colors in a matter of seconds as he becomes excited.

Right now the strutting and gobbling appears to be all about establishing dominance between the gobblers both within an individual flock and between flocks of males.

However in the near future as the hens become receptive the male's displays will be all about attracting hens.