Wild Turkeys photographed at Bluff Lake Nature Center.

Wild Turkey

Average weight: Male 17 lb, female 9.4 lb. Wingspan: 4.1 ft. to 4.7 ft.

Wild Turkeys are ground birds that live year-round in open forests with interspersed clearings in 49 states (excluding Alaska). They are omnivorous, foraging on the ground or in shrubs for nuts, berries and insects—and sometimes small reptiles (lizards and snakes). Adult males are called gobblers or toms, females are hens. Juveniles are called jakes and jennies. Photographed at Bluff Lake Nature Center.

Northern Shrikes photographed along Sand Creek Regional Greenway.

Northern Shrike

Average weight: 2.5 oz. Wingspan: 12 –14 inches.

Also known as the butcher bird, the northern shrike will save its food for later by impaling its prey on spines, thorns, or barbed wire. Though it has songbird feet (not talons like a raptor), its falcon-like hooked bill reveals that it is meat eating—consuming birds, small mammals, and insects. Photographed along Sand Creek Regional Greenway.

Photos and information by George Ho. Search HERE for “Bird Sightings” to see all the past bird stories and photos from George Ho.

Bird Walks Dec. 4 and Jan. 1, 8 –10am. Join George Ho and other bird experts for a free guided walk around Bluff Lake. All are welcome. Bring your own binoculars or borrowed ones will be available. 11255 MLK Blvd. BluffLake.org.