Posted on 04/07/2008 6:10:18 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
MADISON, Wis. - Rather than rain or snow, or even dogs, postal workers in a West Side neighborhood near Owen Conservation Park are being pestered by wild turkeys this spring. Mara Wilhite, manager of the Hilldale Station Post Office, said she expected to deal with all manner of issues when she went to work for the U.S. Post Office. But that was not one of them.
"Just when you thought you'd heard it all," she said.
About five to 10 of the birds have been pecking at the postal workers as they make their rounds, and some of the birds have attacked the letter carriers with the sharp spurs on their legs. One of the birds went through the open door of a mail truck and scratched the driver.
Wilhite sought help in the matter from Eric Lobner, regional wildlife program supervisor for the state Department of Natural Resources.
Lobner said the behavior is clearly tied to the breeding season, which started recently and runs through about mid-May.
Color plays an important role in turkey breeding, he said, with the color of the male's head during mating season changes from gaudy blue to white to red. Lobner speculated that perhaps the turkeys are attracted to the red, white and blue postal trucks.
Postal workers were armed with water pistols. But Lober said that, while the squirts of water worked for a while, the turkeys now seem accustomed to it.
Some workers have been using long sticks to fend off the birds, he said, adding that he will meet with Wilhite next week to discuss other possible solutions.
Part of the problem, Lobner said, is that residents around Owen Conservation Park around the Parkwood Hills neighborhood may be feeding the turkeys, which makes the birds less afraid of humans. He said pamphlets have been circulated in the neighborhood to discourage people from feeding the birds.
If I could afford it, all my food would be organic, and preferably wild game and freshly caught fish.
To keep turkeys away wear a necklace of cranberries.
Maybe, they need to consider making some turkey jerky.
“To keep turkeys away wear a necklace of cranberries.”
Yeah buddy, thats what I do.
When I was about 12 I got chased by a wild turkey, scared the crap out of me!
Wild turkey taste good. Hmmm
Film at 11"
LOL!
Very clever, Norm. ;o)
We may have wild turkeys out here, but our biggest problem is wild peacocks.
While I haven't been attacked by a peacock, they are very loud at night, and leave a huge mess!
Ha!
Very cute, potlatch!
They taste like Bald Eagle.
"Wild turkeys you say, eh? Now I remember a time when ...."
I heard on the radio that James Garner turned 80 today.
DIDN’T want to know that about our National Bird! ;^)
Wild turkeys are becoming militant ahead of spring gobbler season in my neck of the woods too:
Biker survives collision with turkey
By SCOTT BROOKS
New Hampshire Union Leader Staff
9 hours, 49 minutes ago
A motorcyclist broke six ribs and a shoulder blade yesterday when a wild turkey flew into him, knocking him off his bike, according to police and the man’s family.
...but they can be rolled into roasters.
It was on interstate 77, between Ripley WV and Charleston WV about 1995 or so.
A trucker was motoring down the interstate with a full trailer and apparently had his windows open.
A turkey came gliding across the highway, through the side window and into the driver. He lost control, flipped the truck and died in the accident. Imagine having to explain to grandchildren that their grandpa was murdered by a turkey.
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