For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character  . . .  For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America . . .

—Benjamin Franklin, 1784

Running down the road was this really cool wild Turkey.  I don’t know which type of wild turkey he/she is-more than likely a Merriam.  (Rio Grandes have tan tail feathers) There are several wild turkey varieties in Colorado but the Merriam is more than likely around where we live.

I wasn’t fast enough to get a photo of the send off (flight) but I did get the bird’s tail as it came down.

Two species, the Merriam’s and the Rio Grande can be found in Colorado; although the Merriam is much more prevalent, comprising nearly 90% of the 25,000 wild turkeys in the state of Colorado. 

The Merriam prefers scrub oak and juniper/pinion areas. 

A pretty cool sight for a chilly afternoon walk.

Linda