The other day I put out a notice asking if anyone had more information about the current whereabouts of the wild turkeys whose presence has caused such a stir in the neighborhood. My purpose was to add to a story Todd Frankel, a reporter for the Post-Dispatch, was reserarching and which appears on the front page of today's edition (read it here). It was last evening (too late to share this info with Todd) that CWEnder Pat Rein sent the following account:
"For past few weeks they have been out very early walking down the middle of Taylor at McPherson, as though they own the street. Walking south to the Taylor Place Condos, and feeding on something in the grass. To my surprise I have found them the last few days flying off the roof of the Lucerne (my condo) at North Taylor and McPherson and landing in Taylor Place. Have not been able to get up there but hope they are not nesting and starting another family.
I was told on Monday by MO Conservation at the Visitor's Center (in Forest Park) that they cannot fly very high, but I personally saw them swoop down in front of me with their enormous wing spans. I felt more than a little threatened and my dog (Alfred) really freaked out. He is usually very brave with a fence standing between them.
I did not see them this morning (Tuesday), but it was warmer and I was told they like the cold. I will try to get you pictures, if I can. Know they do not like Alfred. They make a lot of racket when they become aware of him."
Thanks to Pat for her scouting report.