The Things Spring Brings

Written by Mark Carroll, Land and Farm Specialist

This year’s spring equinox marked the official start of spring on March 19th. As we feel the air warming and see the trees move from buds to flowers and leaves, many folks respond to the urge to go out and enjoy the wonderful feeling of this transitional period from winter to summer. Working in gardens, preparing for hay season, or tidying up properties as a whole will often bring about encounters with wildlife who are beginning new life.  

Wild turkeys are one of many wildlife species who are busy raising their young in the spring. These amazing, ground-nesting birds will lay a clutch of 10-12 eggs and will then incubate them for 28 days. Once hatched, the young poults will begin running the gauntlet of owls, crows, bobcats, and other predators. As we manage our lands, we often stumble upon turkey nests. These wonders of nature are enticing to most anyone to take a closer look at what they have been lucky enough to find. However, we must keep our distance in the best interest of the reproduction of these amazing birds.  

Here are a few turkey nest etiquette tips while spending time out and about on your property.  

• Do not follow a hen turkey in an attempt to locate a nest

• If you find a nest, back out slowly and leave the area 

• Do not spend time around a nest to take photos

• Do not return to a nest to set up a trail camera

• Do not allow pets into an area known to have a turkey nest

• Do not collect eggs from a nest you suspect to be abandoned.  The hen may return to incubate the eggs.