I meant to post this shortly after my last post, but didn't get the job done. So sue me (as if there's anybody reading anymore besides Geneviève). :) Anyway, here's an update to that post. These first two photos were taken the same day as those in that post, later in the day. The empty nest and eggs had been found by our pasture renter, and thanks to him (also unbeknownst to him), I managed to brave the long grass, tick potential and nettle to get the pics.
The nest had been hidden just outside the cattle yard fence next to a corner post, in the middle of a patch of nettle.
A closer look revealed the empty eggs plus two that hadn't hatched.
Three days later, I had stepped outside early in the evening, and I heard the mama turkey clucking to her chicks. I couldn't see her, but I happened to look up and saw the chicks lined up on a tree branch across the driveway! I ran for the camera, but by the time I got back, there was only one left up there.
I couldn't believe they were big enough already to get up that high to roost, but this last one flew down quite easily. Apparently their mom decided this wasn't the best place to spend the night, so off they went.
They grow up so fast! Look below at the second from the left one, how it's stretching its wings. It must be a male learning to strut already! ;)
Off they went, but only 7 of the original 9 chicks. Predators can be hard on them when they're that little, and no doubt it's hard for mom to defend that many at once.
They ambled in the direction of the garden...
... as I headed back to the house... and I haven't seen them since. That was a week ago.
