Myth #1: Turkeys are flightless birds. Turkeys can, in fact, fly, as they do each night to roost in trees or when they need to escape a predator.

By the end of the 19th century, the wild turkey had been hunted almost to extinction in much of its original range, but, with protection, restocking, and the regrowth of forests, they made a comeback. Now, the state says there are up to 23,000 wild turkeys in New Jersey! They live on insects, as well as corn and nuts. In Warren County, you’ll see large flocks in farmlands and moist forests, or even up in trees at night, where they sleep! And, if you’re lucky, you’ll see a male displaying for the flock’s females, as in our picture of the week! This impressive ‘Tom’ has a buffy or copper tail with naked blue and red head, and plumage that includes iridescent copper, blue and green sheens. Says Charlie, “He’s really quite impressive!!”

“I remember, growing up, that calling someone a ‘turkey’ was not meant to be a compliment,” says Charlie. “But after learning about and witnessing turkeys in action, if someone calls me a turkey, my response will be ‘thank you!’”

Myth #2: Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be on the United States’ National Seal. No, Benjamin Franklin did not suggest the turkey as the United States’ national symbol, although there is evidence that he was not a big fan of the Bald Eagle. His suggestions for the National Seal actually featured no birds at all.

For more photos of turkeys, please visit Charlie’s flickr site.

Charlie Fineran, Director of Open Space, Chairman of the Allamuchy Township Environmental Commission, and President of the Allamuchy Historical Society loves taking photos of Warren County’s wildlife and wild spaces. Each week, Inside Warren shares one of his photos with our readers!