Today, I’m sharing Wild Turkey images of foraging hens I found in the Stansbury Mountains of northern Utah because it’s Thanksgiving Day.

Foraging Wild Turkey hen in the mountains of the West Desert, Tooele County, UtahForaging Wild Turkey hen in the mountains of the West Desert – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited or called in

It was a lovely day when I photographed these Wild Turkeys for well over an hour in beautiful light. That light even highlighted some of the iridescence in their feathers.

The turkeys were so busy foraging that they paid me no attention, except to glance directly at me before resuming their search for food.

Late September Wild Turkey hen close up, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahLate September Wild Turkey hen close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light, not baited or called in

By September in the Stansbury Mountains of Utah, the temperatures can be cool in the early morning hours—or at least they used to be. Climate change has made an impact there.

In the mountains, these Wild Turkeys don’t seem to have any difficulty finding food, and somehow they make it through the harsh, cold winter, looking very healthy in the spring.

Fearless Wild Turkey hen, West Desert, Tooele County, UtahFearless Wild Turkey hen – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light, not baited or called in

I haven’t photographed any Wild Turkeys in Arkansas, but I did find a few at Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma earlier this spring.

I’m grateful that I found and photographed a flock of Wild Turkeys in September 2020, so I can share these photos today.

Wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and moments to cherish!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Wild Turkey photos plus facts and information about this species.