By now, the legend of Barbara, Five Rivers' imprinted turkey, has grown as far and wide as the old Delmar Zoo itself.
To recount for those of you just tuning in, in spring 2009, a small brood of turkey had been fledged on our Woodlot Trail. They soom became acclimated to visitor traffic, and often followed visitors throughout the trail system. For example, I fondly recall the flock accompanying us that July 3rd on our annual butterfly census.
Then in late October (2009), when turkey families typically flock together, "Barbara" began turning up at our Visitor Center and surrounds, alone and poignantly looking at her reflection in our front door window panes. We suspect that Barbara was part of that flock, and had become imrpinted on the site. (Imprinting is not uncommon among gallinaceous birds and is often reported in grouse).
Baraba spent her time gorging herslef at our bird feeders, roosting next to parked cars, pecking chrome bumpers. Little children would try to run after her in utter glee until they could no longer run. Great fun all 'round.
Barbara stayed with us through March, when her wanderings became noticeably further and further afield. She disappeared altogether in April. But many of us knew what had happened.
She reappeared in late May, with a bevy of 7 poults in tow, which has been with us, and as far away as Orchard X Delaware Av, since.
Last week, while watching Barbara and her minions scour the Comfort Station cut-zone, I noticed Barbara calling the typical turkey search call... "kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk"...but all her poults were right with her. When, lo and behold, a 2nd hen appeared from the Old Field Trail, answering "kuk-kuk-kuk-kuk" in kind, and towing a group of 4 small poults with her.
Many have seen this group up and down Orchard Street lately. Last Thursday, they were all getting a good lesson in free-loading under our bird feeding station!! I believe this flock will be with us through the winter, and perhaps long afterward, so keep a sharp eye out and enjoy!!!
Comentarios