Sometimes we feel sorry for Lonely Louie, so sorry that we toss him a scoop of corn.
Flocks of wild turkeys have been visiting our yard almost daily for years. Most often we see gobbler groups. They are adult males with long beards and spurs. Once in a while a group of hens stops by to glean seeds under our bird feeders. They are sleeker than males and lack a beard. And, rarely, hens appear with a clutch of poults. An exciting event indeed!.
About two years ago a threesome of males began visiting every day. Sometimes two or three times a day. We called them Huey, Duey and Louie. They seemed inseparable, and we never saw them alone. Late evenings we sometimes watched them flap up to tall tree branches to roost for the night.
Then, only two visited. Huey and Louie. We never learned what happened to Duey. Maybe a predator enjoyed him for a meal. Or, he may have had an accident. It is a mystery, but we continued enjoying visits by the other two.
One day Louie showed up alone. We haven’t seen his companion since. Lonely Louie is now trully a loner. If he’s in the yard and a flock of turkeys appears Louie stays away. He seems shunned by the others. Maybe he’s just shy.
He seems to miss his two friends. So do we, but we also like to see Lonely Louie, and we know that he likes the corn that we throw out when he comes.
Have you ever encountered a lone hen turkey wandering about seemingly unaccompanied by her brood? This phenomenon. while not uncommon. often leaves us wondering “Where’s the rest of the gang?”
This piece delves into the intriguing realm of wild turkeys, examining the causes behind hen turkeys being spotted by themselves, apart from their typical flock.
Possible Explanations for Solitary Hens:
- Nest Duty: During incubation, hen turkeys become fiercely dedicated to their nests, spending almost all their time alone, hidden away from prying eyes. This solitary behavior ensures the safety and warmth of their developing eggs.
- Nesting Mishaps: Sometimes, a hen’s nesting attempt might fail, leading her to abandon the nest and search for a new location to lay her eggs. This could explain why you might see a lone hen, seemingly without a brood.
- Predation and Loss: Sadly, predators and harsh weather conditions can take a toll on young poults, leaving the hen without her chicks. This unfortunate event could also contribute to the sighting of solitary hens.
- Independent Nature: While turkeys are generally social creatures, some hens might exhibit a more independent nature, preferring to forage and explore on their own. This could explain why you might see a lone hen venturing out solo.
The Role of Weather:
The article highlights the impact of unusually persistent rains and cold nights on young poults, who are particularly vulnerable during this time. These harsh conditions can lead to the loss of many poults, contributing to the number of solitary hens observed.
Beyond the Solitary Hen:
The article also discusses a few other fascinating subjects pertaining to hunting and wildlife, such as:
- Dove Hunting Debate: The author explores the arguments for and against dove hunting, acknowledging the ethical concerns and the sport’s appeal to some.
- Fly Tying Open House: An invitation to participate in a fly tying event, providing an opportunity to learn and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
- Impact of Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: A discussion on the potential financial implications of offering free or discounted licenses to various groups, highlighting the importance of understanding the costs involved.
The sight of a solitary hen turkey can spark curiosity and raise questions about their behavior. By understanding the various reasons behind their solo act, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex lives of these fascinating creatures. Whether they are diligently guarding their nests, searching for a new nesting site, or simply enjoying their independence, these lone hens remind us of the resilience and adaptability of nature.
What You Need to Know About Turkey Hens & Toms Behaviors
FAQ
What does it mean when a turkey is by itself?
Do turkey hens travel alone?
Can a turkey hen live alone?
Do hen turkeys stay on their nest at night?
Are female wild turkeys lone hens?
Female wild turkeys are known as hens, and you might encounter one or more lone hens during the breeding season. Usually, mother hens separate themselves from other flock members to locate safe spots to lay their eggs. During nesting, the behavior of female wild turkeys dramatically changes.
Is your lone Turkey a hen in mourning?
It would be more likely that, rather than a hen in mourning, it is a young bachelor trying to attract a female by gobbling up a storm. Toms that haven’t found a mate also can be ostracized by a dominant male that doesn’t want any competition. Your lone turkey could be one of those guys.
How do male turkeys attract female turkeys?
Male turkeys produce gobbling sounds (calls) to attract female turkeys. Male turkeys frequently court female turkeys in a group led by a dominant and highest-ranked wild turkey. Interestingly, in a single flock of wild turkeys, one matured tom (alpha) can rule over a harem of females.
Why does my lone Turkey leave the flock?
An alpha male with the highest rank might force any omega turkey to leave the flock during a mating season. Your lone turkey could be one of those omega turkeys who are casted-away from the flock by an alpha male because he doesn’t want competition around him.