Tag Archives: turkeys

Turkey Season – Load Your… Cameras

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turkeyTurkey season started yesterday, Saturday, March 30, this year and goes through May 12.  Jim and I were out in the woods almost all day yesterday either hiking/exploring or doing some forestry conservation on our own land (cutting wild roses, etc) and we were hearing turkeys gobbling every where we went.  They were definitely on the move.  I saw some turkey silhouettes up on the ridge late in the day but none, other than that until this morning when we hit the motherload.

I got up around 8 am this Easter morning.  The first thing I always do, every day, is look out the windows for wildlife.  I happened to see a big bird fly into our field from a tree.  It was a Tom turkey, the first I’ve seen in a while.  It still amazes me that these big birds can actually fly.  Within a minute, more turkeys were coming out of the woods like ants — some flying in, others  casually strolling in.  All tolled, I counted 20+.

I took this photo with my iPhone camera – which is always handy; but a zoom lense would have made a big difference in getting detail at this distance.

It was a great Easter surprise.  Happy Easter everyone.  Life is an adventure!

Kayaking on Norris Lake TN

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What a beautiful day for kayaking on Norris Lake! New friend Pat and I started out around 9 am in her bright yellow sea kayaks on mirror-like calm waters. They were a dream to kayak in. The rudder and long keel made a big difference in reducing the amount of effort involved.

We had a vague plan, first to head west along the shore, then circle back and go east down Lost Creek. On one of the islands we passed, Pat spotted a big Tom turkey — his feathers in full display like a turkey on a page out of a child’s Thanksgiving coloring book. Further along, we found a cove that was surrounded by the beautiful yellow flowers that are in bloom now. I shared that if I was an otter, that I would choose to live here.

We ran into a number of families out fishing in their boats and said hello. Pat had heard about a mill and asked one of the fishermen where it might be. He immediately pointed us in the right direction and off we went. It was at the end of Lost Creek in the creek that runs  up to the left. You can see in the photos that it is more a mill run – not a foundation for an actual mill building that I had pictured in my mind.

Little did we know that it would turn into a 5 hour, 12-mile long trip — all good. Kayaking is a great way to get to know someone.  Its leisurely pace allows ample time and opportunity to share story after story.  The time went so fast but I was a tired puppy at the end – smiling from ear-to-ear.

Life is an adventure!

Talkin’ Turkey | The Call of the Wild?

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Turkey trot

Turkey trot (Photo credit: BobMacInnes)

Is this a bad year for poison ivy, or is it my imagination?  Last fall I had cleared a new trail behind our cabin but I don’t remember seeing the poison ivy there, that I do now.  It is covering the area as thick as grass this year.

So, I got out my trusty brush killing weed killer and armed with my 2 gallon pump sprayer, I headed out into the woods.  I was out there most of the afternoon and happened to look up and observe a single turkey in the paddock trying to get through the fence to get into the woods where I was.  As I walked towards it, it heard me and took flight.

Later it dawned on me that I had unknowingly “called it in” from the squeaky sound that my dispenser makes when I pump it to get more spray pressure.  I am 100% positive of this.

I do know a little bit about turkeys.  Years ago, I attended a weekend event sponsored by Becoming an Outdoors-Woman in Ohio.  One of the courses was about turkeys and turkey hunting.  We learned about turkeys, got our own turkey caller, and even dressed up in full camouflage and went out VERY early the next morning to experience it all.

By the way, this program has expanded to all 50 states and I am anxious to find some time to attend some Becoming an Outdoors Woman in Tennessee events.

That same evening, we took a walk in the woods and saw a single turkey in the same general area where it had flown to.  I hope it finds its friends.

Life is an Adventure!