I've been pretty much sold on nest raiding predators being the main problem with turkey numbers. With that said I've observed something very strange over last 2 weeks. It happened once and I said fluke but same thing happened yesterday. Twice I've heard a turkey gobble and know where they are. I move closer to observe and all of the sudden the turkey will come out of strut and fast walk off. I'm like they didn't see me what happened. Both times a flock of buzzards appeared circling overhead very close and even landing where the turkey was strutting. Anyone else seen this? Very strange.
Very strange observation
- Thread starter muddyboots
- Start date
deerhunter10
Well-Known Member
I haven't noticed it but will start paying attention for sure.
Boll Weevil
Well-Known Member
The black headed ones?
Don't doubt that you may be onto something. The buzzard numbers are outta hand for sure. Thanks for sharing the observation.
I think they were red but not 100 per cent
I haven't seen buzzards and turkeys like in eyesight regularly or at all but I see plenty of buzzards that's for sure. It's creepy.
Scrooge57
Active Member
They think the turkeys or buzzards
Never noticed that but will start paying attention. Fished Bear Creek on Pickwick yesterday & stinking black headed ones were everywhere, some just sitting on banks.
Believe I read somewhere that they would gang up & kill animals up to small calf size. Maybe they've started killing turkeys.
Caught two of them this year in leg hold traps too
Believe I read somewhere that they would gang up & kill animals up to small calf size. Maybe they've started killing turkeys.
Caught two of them this year in leg hold traps too
It seems they are not popular with much anymore now. Including me.
I've had buzzards scare birds off the last 3yrs.
I was reading an old book by a guy named Simon Everitt and he went over all the turkeys enemies, same as now but he said crows really gave eggs and poults problems. Over and over he mentioned crows? Book was published in 1928.
Crows are a turkeys nightmare!! Not only do they eat every nest they can find they are just like any other raptor they will swoop in and grap poults!
Now , shooting crows is something I could absolutely get behind! It's a sport in itself! I'd guess the seasons are similar year to year.
