Fall’s feathered finery

It isn’t always necessary to see a bird to be aware of its presence. Feathers are one sign that birds have been frequenting an area. Often found around scuffed-up indentations in dry soil, feathers are lingering evidence that a bird has wallowed in a “dust bowl” to rid itself of parasites such as lice and mites. Other signs include tracks, pellets and vocalizations.

Although turkey feathers appear to be black and brown, closer inspection reveals a range of rich colors—blue, green, gold and russet—reflected when sunlight strikes the plumage.

As reported by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, turkeys were nearly exterminated by “the ax, the plow and the gun,” as settlers logged forests and cleared habitat. Overharvesting the birds took its toll, too, and by the early 1900s, turkey populations were dangerously low.

Through protections, restocking and reforesting, populations have rebounded. Today, it is common to encounter turkeys and their poults along roadways throughout the region.

At this time of year, wild turkeys are busily consuming mast (beechnuts and acorns), fruits such as cherry and thornapple and seeds from grasses, corn, oats and various weeds. If you come upon an area where the forest duff has been disturbed and seemingly tossed about, there’s a good chance you are seeing evidence of a turkey’s foraging efforts.

The brilliant and unmistakable blue jay feathers depicted above provide evidence of the predator-prey relationship; these belonged to a bird that became sustenance for an unidentified predator.