Last night I saw the Natural World special, My Life As A Turkey, where naturalist Joe Hutto lived as a wild turkey in the oak hammocks of Florida for more than a year. He learned much from the wild turkeys about living in the present and being keenly aware of one's surroundings. Hutto has written a book about his experience called, Illumination in the Flatwoods, available in book form or on kindle. Don't take my word for it, read the reviews on Amazon, you'll want to purchase the book. (Photo of wild turkey from wikipedia).
The wild turkey was an important food source for many Native American tribes and is a symbol or our present day Thanksgiving celebrations. The turkey feather above I gathered from the ground at my lavender farm which was left by the wild turkeys who used to visit me daily. According to Hutto the wild turkey is also much more intelligent than most folks realize. If you get a chance to see the TV film, do so. You won't be disappointed. Here's a review of the TV movie from Sam Wollaston. Thanks for reading and for all your comments.
Love the title.
ReplyDeleteHi Dennis, thanks, that's the title of Hutto's book, I think I may have to get it, I just loved that this naturalist was so humble and genuinely felt he learned from the wild turkeys. He has since lived with many other species of wild animals; I plan to read more about him.
ReplyDeleteWasn't that an amazing doc? Loved Hutto's lack of romance about the whole thing. Turkeys are amazing birds. Happy Day!
ReplyDeleteHi Smartcat, thanks, yes his descriptions were so poignant and when sweet pea died I almost cried.
ReplyDeleteI feel for the turkeys on thanksgiving.
ReplyDeleteEnough said.
We have much to learn.
Lorraine
Hi Lorraine, thanks, I often feel that way too, especially the wild ones, much to learn for sure.
ReplyDeleteWild turkeys are intelligent. We bred the brains out in favor of breast meat.
ReplyDeleteHi Patti, thanks, and I like the dark meat. Ha.
ReplyDelete