Two Wild Turkey toms facing off – Nikon D500, f9, 1/500, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning the first birds I focused on taking photos of were Wild Turkey toms as they displayed for each other on desert ranchlands in northern Utah. These large upland game birds were close enough to the road that at first I opted to take close up photos of them to show the fine details in their feathers, snoods, and wattles. I wanted a few photos that were different from the ones I already have of this species and I succeeded.
I liked how in this photo the two Wild Turkey toms were close to each other as they faced off and how their heads formed a heart shape.
I didn’t have great light which is why I bumped up my ISO to obtain sufficient shutter speed.
Three Wild Turkey toms in a row – Nikon D500, f9, 1/400, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I appreciated it when these three tom turkeys lined up in a row and how easily I could see the differences in the colors of their wattles.
The hens in this flock of Wild Turkeys weren’t paying attention to the toms much or at all. The hens continued to forage as the toms displayed, strutted, and gobbled. I have to admit I laughed when the males gobbled.
Wild Turkey tom displaying for a flock – Nikon D500, f9, 1/640, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I did take a few more typical displaying Wild Turkey tom photos when the toms moved further away from the road.
The photos I took of the hen Wild Turkeys yesterday deserve to be highlighted on their own post so I will share those images on another date.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Wild Turkey photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a cool series of pics! Love the shot of the 3 Toms out-on-the-town. Thanks Mia.
Happy Valentine Day!!!
Wonderful – and add me to those who really appreciate the heart-shaped composition.
I love watching the wild turkeys. Great photos, I too really like the first of the heart shaped composition.
What great pictures of the turkeys in your area. They are ugly in the face when they display, but their feathers are beautiful!
When displaying they certainly are impressive, aren’t they? Great photos. And yes, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the females ignoring the tom the only time I saw it myself (in a farmer’s field). Great photos. Love the rich colours.