RIVER TURKEYS TEXAS WILDLIFE MARCH 2017
|
|
- April Walker
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 8
2 Article and Photos by RUSSELL A. GRAVES My passion for Rio Grande turkey hunting started on an arrowhead-shaped wheat field along the redrock breaks of the Pease River in northwest Texas. Surrounded by gnarled honey mesquite and rough-barked juniper, the field offers ample cover for wildlife to move up from the river bottom and feed along the field s edges. Rising tall against the shorter shrubbery that grows thick in this part of Texas, cottonwood leaves shimmer with each puff of the soft Panhandle wind. The cottonwoods are an important part of the turkey habitat puzzle. Turkeys spend most of their time as ground dwellers. Foraging and nesting take place terrestrially but, like domestic poultry, they roost up high and away from predators such as skunks, coyotes, bobcats and raccoons. Therefore, in areas where trees taller than 10 feet often are the exception, riparian areas that have a sufficient water table to help push trees like the cottonwood tall into the cobalt sky make excellent Rio Grande turkey country. Turkey country is where I want to be when spring days warm. I m not alone in my love of spring turkey hunting. More than 80,000 Texans join me in the field each spring. With the everexpanding range of the Rio Grande turkey, spring turkey hunting is an exciting way to extend a year s hunting season a few more weeks. A NEW SPECIES IS DISCOVERED The Rio Grande is actually one of three subspecies of wild turkey found in Texas. Aside from the Eastern found in the east Texas hardwoods and the Merriam at home in the Texas mountains, the Rio Grande is the most widespread and ultimately, the de facto turkey of Texas. Found in a wide swath from the Rio Grande River all the way to the extreme northeastern Texas Panhandle, the Rio Grande turkey is a subspecies that shows a 9
3 propensity for sticking close to water sources where big, mature roost trees grow. A preference for habitat that helped influence the bird s name. As ubiquitous as the Rio Grande turkey is, however, its official scientific discovery is fairly recent. I called attention to the probable distinctness of the Turkey found on the lower Rio Grande in Texas, but hesitated to characterize it for lack of specimens. Since that time I have obtained a fair series of both sexes which convinces me that the bird of this region represents a well-marked subspecies, wrote naturalist George B. Sennett in The range or habitat of this race, so far as known at the present time, is restricted to the lowlands of eastern Mexico and southern Texas, he wrote. It will probably not be found south of Vera Cruz, nor is it likely to be met with to the north beyond the Brazos River of Texas, its range being thus restricted within about ten degrees of latitude. Wherever timber and food are in abundance, we find this new form common to the coast and lowlands. With that, Sennett named his newly discovered subspecies the Rio Grande Turkey. His description discusses the various physical characteristics that delineate the Rio Grande from the other turkey subspecies. Namely, the different coloration of the bar that runs across the extreme tip of the tail feathers. Aside from that, he noted the vibrancy of the male s feathers, the fact that hens are more dull-colored than males and all the other small physical details that separates the Rio Grande from others of the same species. Like other turkeys, Rio Grande males have prominent follicles that grow from the center of the chest called a beard. Females sometimes have beards, but they are relatively rare. Additionally, adult gobblers weigh around 20 pounds and grow to just over three feet tall. Hens are smaller about 10 pounds and get about two and a half feet tall. Their large frame serves them well as the Rio Grande is a far-ranging turkey. Rio Grande turkeys require a mixture of habitat that includes wooded and open areas. They roost in tall hardwood trees with broad limbs like cottonwoods and live oak with general open areas around it so they have plenty of room to take off and land when entering or exiting their roost site. According to Texas A&M University, their range in the Rolling Plains varies between 2,400 and 5,900 acres, whereas their range in the Edwards Plateau varies from 3,800 to 6,600 acres. While Rio Grande turkey populations are stable now, it hasn t always been that way. A hundred years ago, unregulated hunting and habitat changes led to the demise of most of Texas s turkeys. Eastern wild turkeys were all but extirpated, and Rio Grande turkeys slipped to less than one-fifth of what they are today. At their low point, the 10
4 numbers declined to about 100,000 birds. In late years, before the advent of restocking by the Texas Game, Fish and Oyster Commission, explains the 1945 book Principal Game Bird and Mammals of Texas, wild turkeys were confined to the southeastern Texas, along the lower reaches of the Neches and Sabine River, the Edwards Plateau or Hill Country centering around Kerr County, and in lower southern Texas principally in the counties of Kenedy, Kleberg and Brooks. When the book was released, modern wildlife management was in its infancy and aggressive trapping and restocking programs were commencing. Upland game birds like Rio Grandes have generally done better since 1945, due largely to restocking efforts and habitat management. The marriage of private landowners and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has been positive for turkeys, just as it has been for large game. At first, restocking was an inexact science Rio Grande turkeys were often introduced in unsuitable habitat. But that was then Learning and adapting from lessons of the past, now Rio Grande turkeys are widespread over much of the western twothirds of the state, where suitable habitat components like tall roost trees exist. That s a far cry from the Hill Country concentration of turkeys back in the 1940s. MODERN RESTORATION EFFORTS Even today, restoration efforts are still underway to expand the Rio Grande turkeys range into pockets where the bird doesn t exist. In South Texas s Cameron County, interested sportsmen who make up the conservation group Las Huellas (The Footprints) are working hard to make sure the bird thrives in their part of Texas. The Las Huellas Association serves as an advocate for the benefit of South Texas wildlife and for the rights of South Texas wildlife managers, landowners and sportsmen in educational and wildlife habitat-related arenas. According to its website, members are dedicated to educating people of all ages, especially the youth of South Texas, about the conservation, management and enhancement of wildlife and wildlife habitat to ensure the preservation of our cherished resources for future generations. To date they have dedicated $490,000 to fulfilling their mission to their community in addition to re-establishing turkeys in their former haunts. We ve had about 10 releases over the years, averaging about 25 birds per release, said Robert Cackley, president of Las Huellas. We started releasing birds near the coast in eastern Cameron County and have released all the way thru and are now working the western side of Cameron County. Cackleysaid the birds are doing well and populations are growing. He said that farmers and birders send in pictures each summer of poults running around their properties which shows the birds are reproducing. The Rio Grande turkeys have come from all over the state and ranchers have been very generous in donating turkey to repopulate or reintroduce to Cameron County, said Cackley. This project has exceeded our expectations and has been very successful. 11
5 KNOW YOUR TURKEYS Ask any Rio Grande turkey hunter about the sport and he or she will wax eloquent. Turkey hunting fulfills many senses, from the tactile to the cerebral it s a complete sport. Therefore, it s no wonder people are so crazy about chasing the big birds. But how much do you know about Rios? The wild turkey stands out among Texas game birds because of the way the males spread their feathers during the animated spring mating strut, its naked head and its large size. As you might expect, turkeys have many distinctive parts that aren t found on other birds. In addition, descriptions of the birds even carry their own nomenclature. Here s a rundown: Gobbler Male turkeys are called by various names, including gobbler, tom and longbeard. Hen A hen is a full-grown female turkey. Hens generally are smaller than gobblers and appear brown, while gobblers look black. Jake Jakes are immature males. Although similar in appearance to mature gobblers, jakes, when strutting, have middle tail feathers that are longer than the others in the tail fan. Jenny An immature hen. Spurs Both sexes have spurs, although on females, the keratinized appendages are no more than small buttons protruding from the back of the leg a few inches above the foot. On males, spurs serve as a way to fend off other males when they spar for dominance when gathering a harem of hens. Spurs grow at the rate of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch a year and usually top off at about an inch and a half at four years of age. Fan A turkey s fan is a prominent feature you ll see when a tom struts. Made up of 18 tail feathers 12 to 15 inches long, toms display the fans to attract females during the breeding season. In jakes, the middle tail feathers are longer than the rest of the tail feathers, but adult males have uniform tail feathers. The tail feathers that make up the fan also aid in identifying the subspecies of turkey. On Eastern wild turkeys, brown tips the tail feathers while the tips of Rio Grande turkeys tails are buffcolored. Beard Hanging down anywhere from an inch to more than 10 inches from a tom s chest, the beard is actually a modified feather, even though it appears to be part of the turkey s skin. The beard is coarse like a horse tail and grows three to five inches a year. A three-year-old bird would possibly have a nine-inch beard, and beards over 11 inches are rare. Snood The snood is a fleshy appendage that attaches just above the beak. When the tom relaxes, the snood is short maybe half an inch long. When the tom struts, the snood engorges with blood and extends to hang down over the beak. According to the National Wild Turkey Federation, the snood has no known function. Caruncles On both the sexes, the caruncles are fleshy, bulbous bumps that grow over the head and neck. Even though they are less pronounced on females, the caruncles on a male turkey grow large and are especially pronounced on the lower portion of the neck. Usually pale in color, the caruncles engorge with blood and turn to bright red when the turkey struts or becomes aggressive. Dewlap Connecting the neck to the head just under the beak, the dewlap is present on both males and females but is more prominent on males. Like the caruncles and snood, the dewlap turns bright red when the tom gets excited. Wing Feathers When a turkey flies, the wing feathers push an enormous amount of air to lift the heavy birds. While strutting, the tom drags his wing feathers on the ground as he puffs out his breast feathers and fans his tail. Savvy turkey hunters can read the tracks and see the drag marks from where a turkey s been strutting and know if there are males in the area. When toms drag their wing feathers, the tips become worn and frayed. Eyes and Ears The eyes and ears of a turkey make it one of the toughest of all Texas game animals. Their vision is the keenest among all Texas game animals and they are especially astute at pinpointing movement. The turkey s ears are simply small holes found just behind the eyes. Although no ear flap funnels sound, wild turkeys can still hone in on noises from a mile away. Some contend that if wild turkeys could smell, they d be nearly impossible to hunt. 12
Let s Learn About. Turkeys. With
Let s Learn About Turkeys With American Turkey The American turkey owes its fame, in part, to Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was one of the founding fathers of the United States, and he lobbied to make the
More informationLet s Talk Turkey Selection Let s Talk Turkey Expository Thinking Guide Color-Coded Expository Thinking Guide and Summary
Thinking Guide Activities Expository Title of the Selection: Let s Talk Turkey Teaching Band Grades 3-5 Genre: Nonfiction Informational, Magazine Article The selection and Expository Thinking Guide are
More informationTurkey Habitat. Welcome to the. Who Are Turkeys? Turkey Classification
Welcome to the Turkey Habitat Turkey Classification Class: Aves Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae Genus: Meleagris Species: Gallopavo Subspecies (Southern U.S.): M.g. osceloa Who Are Turkeys? The
More informationTHE NORTH AMERICAN WILD TURKEY
THE NORTH AMERICAN WILD TURKEY Larry Price, NWTF/Eastern subspecies By Scott P. Lerich certified wildlife biologist, National Wild Turkey Federation Turkeys don t always gobble in December but the sound
More informationDr. Nicki Frey, Utah state University
T h e E f f e c t o f R i p a r i a n H a b i t a t R e s t o r a t i o n o n W i l d Tu r k e y H a b i t a t U s e a n d R e c r u i t m e n t i n t h e C e n t r a l U t a h F o r e s t s Dr. Nicki
More informationEven the name of these absurd birds raises questions, who named the. my neighborhood often walking their silly gait. Turkeys trotting through
The Turkey Project Gavin, Rebeccah gavin.b.burns18@gmail.com day 83 12/14/2017 Even the name of these absurd birds raises questions, who named the turkey? I have had a few turkey experiences myself, they
More informationWhen I m out on the trail, people often ask me questions regarding a plant s properties or an animal s attributes,
Let s Talk Turkey So now that the elections are over it s time to talk turkey. The Franklin Institute s website debunked one of my long-held beliefs by relaying that Ben Franklin did not want the turkey
More informationThis Coloring Book has been adapted for the Wildlife of the Table Rocks
This Coloring Book has been adapted for the Wildlife of the Table Rocks All images and some writing belong to: Additional writing by: The Table Rocks Environmental Education Program I became the national
More informationNot much more than a half century ago, Missouri s
NATURAL RESOURCES Wild Turkey Biology and Habitat Management in Missouri Not much more than a half century ago, Missouri s wild turkey population was in danger of disappearing from the landscape. By the
More informationRed-Tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis
Red-Tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis This large, dark headed, broad-shouldered hawk is one of the most common and widespread hawks in North America. The Red-tailed hawk belongs to the genus (family) Buteo,
More informationLONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT. Study Objectives: 1. To determine annually an index of statewide turkey populations and production success in Georgia.
State: Georgia Grant Number: 08-953 Study Number: 6 LONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT Grant Title: State Funded Wildlife Survey Period Covered: July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Study Title: Wild Turkey Production
More information468 TYRRELL, Nesting of Turkey Vulture
468 TYRRELL, Nesting of Turkey Vulture [Auk [July NESTING OF THE TURKEY VULTURE BY Y/. BRYANT TYRRELL Plates 16-17 ON the afternoon of January 16, 1932, while walking along the Patapsco River in the Patapsco
More informationPORTRAIT OF THE AMERICAN BALD EAGLE
PORTRAIT OF THE AMERICAN BALD EAGLE Objectives: To know the history of the bald eagle and the cause of it's decline. To understand what has been done to improve Bald Eagle habitat. To know the characteristics
More informationList of Equipment, Tools, Supplies, and Facilities:
Unit E: Segments of Animal Agriculture Lesson 3: Exploring the Poultry Industry Student Learning Objectives: Instruction in this lesson should result in students achieving the following objectives: 1.
More informationQuail CSI / Scent Station
Even if you re on the right track, you ll get run over if you just sit there, Anonymous Objectives: The students will - observe animal tracks distinguish between predators and prey draw inferences based
More informationWild Turkey Annual Report September 2017
Wild Turkey 2016-2017 Annual Report September 2017 Wild turkeys are an important game bird in Maryland, providing recreation and enjoyment for many hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and citizens. Turkey hunting
More informationNC State Fair Annual Youth Market Turkey Show
NC State Fair Annual Youth Market Turkey Show sponsored by cals.ncsu.edu/prestage-department-of-poultry-science About the Youth Market Turkey Show The Youth Market Turkey Show is an opportunity for youth
More informationSand and Sage Round-Up MARKET CHICKEN STUDY GUIDE Junior and Intermediate Division (8-13 years of age as of December 31)
Questions will come from: Colorado 4-H Ethical Care of Poultry handout Meat Quality Assurance Market Chicken Study Guide Sand and Sage Round-Up MARKET CHICKEN STUDY GUIDE Junior and Intermediate Division
More informationLONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT. Study Objectives: 1. To determine annually an index of statewide turkey populations and production success in Georgia.
State: Georgia Grant Number: 08-953 Study Number: 6 LONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT Grant Title: State Funded Wildlife Survey Period Covered: July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015 Study Title: Wild Turkey Production
More informationThe Wild Turkey: Journey of a Noble Bird
Kansas State University Libraries New Prairie Press Symphony in the Flint Hills Field Journal 2009 Discovering this Place (Marty White, Editor) The Wild Turkey: Journey of a Noble Bird Ron Klataske Follow
More informationResult Demonstration Report
Result Demonstration Report Texas Quail Index Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Garza County Cooperator: Chimney Creek Ranch; Danny Robertson, Mgr Greg Jones, County Extension Agent-Ag for Garza County
More informationResult Demonstration Report
Result Demonstration Report 2014 Texas Quail Index Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Kent County Cooperator: Reserve Ranch Jay Kingston, County Extension Agent for Kent County Becky Ruzicka, Extension
More informationResult Demonstration Report
Result Demonstration Report 2014 Texas Quail Index Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Archer County Cooperator: Brad Mitchell- Mitchell and Parkey Ranches Justin B Gilliam, County Extension Agent for
More informationTexas Quail Index. Result Demonstration Report 2016
Texas Quail Index Result Demonstration Report 2016 Cooperators: Jerry Coplen, County Extension Agent for Knox County Amanda Gobeli, Extension Associate Dr. Dale Rollins, Statewide Coordinator Circle Bar
More information1. If possible, place the class based on loss of pigment (bleaching) from the skin.
4-H Poultry Judging Past egg production (reasons class) Interior egg quality candling Interior egg quality - broken out Exterior egg quality Poultry carcass parts identification Poultry carcass quality
More informationResult Demonstration Report
Result Demonstration Report 2014 Texas Quail Index Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Wichita County Cooperator: Waggoner Ranch David Graf, County Extension Agent for Wichita County Becky Ruzicka, Extension
More informationTexas Quail Index. Result Demonstration Report 2016
Texas Quail Index Result Demonstration Report 2016 Cooperators: Josh Kouns, County Extension Agent for Baylor County Amanda Gobeli, Extension Associate Dr. Dale Rollins, Statewide Coordinator Bill Whitley,
More informationLONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT. Study Objectives: 1. To determine annually an index of statewide turkey populations and production success in Georgia.
State: Georgia Grant Number: 08-953 Study Number: 6 LONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT Grant Title: State Funded Wildlife Survey Period Covered: July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008 Study Title: Wild Turkey Production
More informationEcology and Management of Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock
Ecology and Management of Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock RUFFED GROUSE Weigh 1-1.5 pounds Inconspicuous plumage Males have prominent dark ruffs around neck Solitary most of year FEMALE MALE? GENDER
More informationOCEANA COUNTY 4-H SMALL MARKET TURKEY RECORD BOOK (for ages 9 and up)
OCEANA COUNTY 4-H SMALL MARKET TURKEY RECORD BOOK- 2018 (for ages 9 and up) As a member of the Small Market Animal Project, you are required to submit your records as part of an educational project notebook
More informationExploring the Poultry Industry
Lesson B2 6 Exploring the Poultry Industry Unit B. Animal Science and the Industry Problem Area 2. Identifying and Understanding the Segments of the Animal Science Industry Lesson 6. Exploring the Poultry
More informationThe platypus lives in streams, ponds, and rivers in Australia. It closes its eyes under water and uses its bill to dig in the mud to find its food.
The platypus lives in streams, ponds, and rivers in Australia. It closes its eyes under water and uses its bill to dig in the mud to find its food. The hyena, found in Africa and parts of Asia, weighs
More information2018 Wild Turkey Observation Survey Summary
2018 Wild Turkey Observation Survey Summary The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has annually conducted a summer wild turkey observation survey since 1993. The primary purpose of this survey
More informationCoyote. Canis latrans. Other common names. Introduction. Physical Description and Anatomy. Eastern Coyote
Coyote Canis latrans Other common names Eastern Coyote Introduction Coyotes are the largest wild canine with breeding populations in New York State. There is plenty of high quality habitat throughout the
More informationProof Copy. Retold by Carl Sommer Illustrated by Ignacio Noé. Carl Sommer. Over 1,000 Pages of FREE Character-Building Resources!
s rie to Som m -Time S er Sommer Time Stories Classics Mot i v ating Children to Su c c ee d Classics HHH -Winning HHH Motivational Character-Building Resources Sommer-Time Series Won Over 65 National
More informationGallinaceous Birds Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae
Gallinaceous Birds Order Galliformes Family Phasianidae Gallinaceous birds refer to a group of ground-living birds, like pheasants, turkeys, grouse and quail, that are chicken-like and share certain physical
More informationAtlantic Puffins By Guy Belleranti
Flying over my head are plump seabirds with brightly colored beaks and feet. Each bird's pigeonsized body looks a little like a football with wings. The wings are too small for gliding. However, by flapping
More informationSelection and Evaluation
Selection and Evaluation Lesson 2: Selection and Evaluation Selecting high quality poultry is a skill that is important to egg and meat production. By evaluating and selecting the most productive birds,
More informationLONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT. Abstract
State: Georgia Grant Number: 08-953 Study Number: 6 LONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT Grant Title: State Funded Wildlife Survey Period Covered: July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2013 Study Title: Wild Turkey Production
More informationPoultry Ag Mag - Vocabulary
Name Today s ate Poultry g Mag - Vocabulary irections: Read each item. hoose the word from the word bank that would best complete the sentence. Place the word on the line provided. WOR NK ir ell lastodisc
More informationUnit A: Introduction to Poultry Science. Lesson 1: Exploring the Poultry Industry
Unit A: Introduction to Poultry Science Lesson 1: Exploring the Poultry Industry 1 Terms Broilers Chick Cockerels Drake Duckling Gander Goose Gosling Hen Layers Poult Poultry Pullet Producers Pullets Roosters
More informationECOSYSTEMS Wolves in Yellowstone
ECOSYSTEMS Wolves in Yellowstone Adapted from Background Two hundred years ago, around 1800, Yellowstone looked much like it does today; forest covered mountain areas and plateaus, large grassy valleys,
More informationGOING COLD TURKEY front back
GOING COLD TURKEY front back Now, this is my kind of turkey! One that doesn t involve cooking! It is made from fruits, a couple of veggies thrown in and of course your favorite and mine, candy! It is certain
More informationTEXAS WILDLIFE JULY 2016 STUDYING THE LIONS OF WEST TEXAS. Photo by Jeff Parker/Explore in Focus.com
Photo by Jeff Parker/Explore in Focus.com Studies show that apex predators, such as mountain lions, play a role in preserving biodiversity through top-down regulation of other species. 8 STUDYING THE LIONS
More informationPOULTRY Allen County 4-H
POULTRY Allen County 4-H Level 1 Grades 3-4-5 2016 $1.00 What you will do in this project: Enroll in the 4-H program by January 15. Complete the project by answering at least two of the activities in this
More informationHow To Make Sure Your Parrot Gets Up To 12 Hours Of Play Time Every Day
How To Make Sure Your Parrot Gets Up To 12 Hours Of Play Time Every Day And You Don t Even Have To Supervise Him Welcome! I was really excited to sit down and write this special report for you today, because
More informationUnit E: Other Poultry. Lesson 2: Exploring the Duck Industry
Unit E: Other Poultry Lesson 2: Exploring the Duck Industry 1 1 2 I. There are many types of ducks throughout the world and in Afghanistan. A. Both domesticated and wild ducks exist throughout the world.
More informationBald Eagles in the Yukon. Wildlife in our backyard
Bald Eagles in the Yukon Wildlife in our backyard The Bald Eagle at a glance Both male and female adult Bald Eagles have a dark brown body and wings with a white head, neck and tail. They have a yellow
More informationUnit 19.3: Amphibians
Unit 19.3: Amphibians Lesson Objectives Describe structure and function in amphibians. Outline the reproduction and development of amphibians. Identify the three living amphibian orders. Describe how amphibians
More informationLaguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge s Ocelots
Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge s Ocelots Ocelots are beautiful spotted cats that once roamed from South Texas up into Arkansas and Louisiana. Today, they have all but disappeared from the United
More informationLONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT. Study Objectives: 1. To determine annually an index of statewide turkey populations and production success in Georgia.
State: Georgia Grant Number: 8-1 Study Number: 6 LONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT Grant Title: State Funded Wildlife Survey Period Covered: July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 Study Title: Wild Turkey Production
More informationOpossum. Didelphis virginiana
Opossum Didelphis virginiana Other common names Virginia Opossum, possum Introduction The opossum is the only marsupial found in the United States. Like kangaroos, another wellknown marsupial, opossums
More informationEXERCISE 14 Marine Birds at Sea World Name
EXERCISE 14 Marine Birds at Sea World Name Section Polar and Equatorial Penguins Penguins Penguins are flightless birds that are mainly concentrated in the Southern Hemisphere. They were first discovered
More informationMini 4-H Wildlife Project
Mini 4-H Wildlife Project Name Club Wildlife Project Instructions: Make 1 of the following: 1. An Animal Book 2. A Poster 3. A Model Animal 4. A Birdhouse Complete 2 of the following: 1. Word Search Puzzle
More informationFOOD HABITS OF NESTING COOPER S HAWKS AND GOSHAWKS IN NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA
FOOD HABITS OF NESTING COOPER S HAWKS AND GOSHAWKS IN NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA BY HEINZ MENG UCH has been written about the food habits of our birds of prey. M Through crop and stomach content analyses
More informationTurkey Fitting and Showmanship Members Guide Lines
Turkey Fitting and Showmanship Members Guide Lines Sam K. Varghese, Extension Poultry Specialist Introduction Fitting and Showmanship has become an important activity in many county fairs as a part of
More informationHatching Chicks in the Classroom
Hatching Chicks in the Classroom Table of contents Part 1: Preparing for Incubation Part 2: Egg Activity Part 3: During Incubation Part 4: Hatching Part 5: After Hatching Part 6: Chicks and Chickens Glossary
More informationLook Who s. Flying! by Claudia Burns and Dave Horton
Look Who s Flying! by Claudia Burns and Dave Horton What are those big brown and white birds that build huge stick nests on utility pole platforms? Most likely, they are ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) - birds
More informationThank you for purchasing House Train Any Dog! This guide will show you exactly how to housetrain any dog or puppy successfully.
Introduction Thank you for purchasing House Train Any Dog! This guide will show you exactly how to housetrain any dog or puppy successfully. We recommend reading through the entire guide before you start
More informationDays and Tasks. Ellen Miller December 2015
Days and Tasks Ellen Miller December 2015 Goal Gain a better understanding of the different tasks performed by the honeybee at certain stages in its life. Introduction Life span after emergence varies
More informationA Beekeeping Diary #5: Early Summer Queen Rearing Begins. Written by KirkWebster
I know that summer doesn t officially begin until June 20 or so; but around here we really need to have all of June as a summer month. Otherwise our only warm season would be too short and we would get
More informationThe Missing Woodpecker
PASSAGE 1: Magazine Article The Missing Woodpecker Scientists go on a 60-year search for a beautiful bird. The ivory-billed woodpecker was the biggest woodpecker in the United States. It had black and
More informationCHAPTER ONE. Exploring the Woods
CHAPTER ONE Exploring the Woods Princess Summer raced downstairs, her golden hair bouncing on her shoulders. She was so excited that her friends had come to visit! Jumping down the last two steps, she
More informationThe Pecking Order Characteristics- Breeds-
Raising Chickens Introduction Chickens have simple needs, food and water, adequate shelter and space, and protection from predators. Left to their own devices, allowed to roam free range style, chickens
More informationROGER IRWIN. 4 May/June 2014
BASHFUL BLANDING S ROGER IRWIN 4 May/June 2014 4 May/June 2014 NEW HAMPSHIRE PROVIDES REGIONALLY IMPORTANT HABITAT FOR THE STATE- ENDANGERED BLANDING'S TURTLE BY MIKE MARCHAND A s a child, I loved to explore
More informationPoultry Skillathon 2016
Age Divisions: Junior (8-11) Intermediate (12-14) Senior (15-18) Exhibitors will participate in age-based Skillathons. This study guide includes all topics an exhibitor might be tested on. Youth will only
More informationOral Reading Fluency Recording Form
i Passage 1.2 Word Count: 145 Where Do Frogs Come From? 5 Frogs come from small eggs, The black things on this plant are frog 18 eggs- 19 Pop! Pop! A.tadpole pops out of an egg. Pop, pop, pop! Lots and
More informationNWTF/JOHN FORD PHOTO. 4 September/October / 2007 WILDLIFE JOURNAL
NWTF/JOHN FORD PHOTO 4 September/October / 2007 WILDLIFE JOURNAL Fall Hunting for New Hampshire s Greatest Gamebird BY STEVE HICKOFF Have you seen a wild turkey lately? Chances are, the answer is yes.
More informationBest Backyard Chickens Why Wyandotte Chickens are one of my top choices.
Best Backyard Chickens Why Wyandotte Chickens are one of my top choices. As chicken keepers, we always have a favorite breed or two that we recommend to others. When I am asked to tell my opinion of the
More informationDogs. WORD BANK: blind, cattle, companions, countries, guard, hunt, sleds, warn. Level 2.0, Story 1. Copyright 2012 Read Naturally, Inc.
Dogs Level 2.0, Story 1 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 3 people or friends you spend a lot of time with 5 find and kill animals for food 7 watch something closely in order to keep it safe 8 unable to see 1 areas of land
More informationDivision of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources INSIDE THIS ISSUE. Bobwhite and Scaled Quail Research in Oklahoma
Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Prairie-Chicken Research Learn about impacts of anthropogenic development and land management on prairie -chickens. INSIDE THIS ISSUE Bobwhite and
More informationLONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT. Study Objectives: 1. To determine annually an index of statewide turkey populations and production success in Georgia.
State: Georgia Grant Number: 8-1 Study Number: 6 LONG RANGE PERFORMANCE REPORT Grant Title: State Funded Wildlife Survey Period Covered: July 1, 1994 - June 30, 1995 Study Title: Wild Turkey Production
More informationAvian Models for 3D Applications Characters and Procedural Maps by Ken Gilliland
Avian Models for 3D Applications Characters and Procedural Maps by Ken Gilliland 1 Songbird ReMix Wild Turkey Contents Manual Introduction 3 Overview and Use 3 Conforming Crest Quick Reference 4 Anatomy
More information2015 Iowa State Poultry Judging CDE Written Exam Version A 1. What is the name of the portion of the digestive system that secretes hydrochloric acid
1. What is the name of the portion of the digestive system that secretes hydrochloric acid and the enzyme pepsin? a. Rumen b. Gizzard c. Proventriculus d. Crop 2. In egg laying operations, production goals
More informationACHIEVEMENT DAY REQUIREMENTS (Rural Youth Fair is the Achievement Day for Turkey Project)
WELCOME Welcome to the 4-H Turkey Project! Please read through this Guide carefully, as it contains information and suggestions that are important for your project. 4-H leaders can obtain Leader Project
More informationHelping the Cause of Macaws
Helping the Cause of Macaws By Originally published in ScienceNews for Kids March 12, 2007 ScienceNews for Kids March 12, 2007 Deep in the steamy Peruvian jungle, a macaw spreads her brilliant scarlet
More informationMeet Our Penguins. Amigo. Bee
Meet Our African Penguins Amigo Amigo hatched at the Aquarium on January 19, 2016. His genetic parents are Bee and Geyser, but he was raised by Walvis and Boulders. He is currently paired with Elizabeth.
More informationTime of Day. Teacher Lesson Plan Nocturnal Animals Pre-Visit Lesson. Overview
Teacher Lesson Plan Nocturnal Animals Pre-Visit Lesson Duration: 40-50 minutes Minnesota State Science Standard Correlations: 3.4.1.1.2. Wisconsin State Science Standard Correlations: B 4.6, C.4.1, C.4.2
More informationOwyhee County 4-H. Cloverbud Dog Activity Book
Owyhee County 4-H Cloverbud Dog Activity Book Name Age Year in 4-H 20 Club Name Member s Signature Parent/Guardian s Signature Leader s Signature My dog s name is My dog is a: boy girl I don t know What
More informationPanther Habitat. Welcome to the. Who Are Florida Panthers? Panther Classification
Welcome to the Panther Habitat Panther Classification Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Felidae Genus: Puma Species: Concolor Subspecies (Southern U.S): P.c. coryi Who Are Florida Panthers? The
More informationSLOW DOWN, LOVE WIZARD. HERE S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HORNED LIZARD.
SLOW DOWN, LOVE WIZARD. HERE S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE HORNED LIZARD. Horned lizards predominately eat ants. In small doses the ants venom does not harm the lizard; however, a swarm can kill an
More informationEco-MEET 2016 STUDY PACKET WILD TURKEYS
Eco-MEET 2016 STUDY PACKET WILD TURKEYS N A T I O N A L W I L D T U R K E Y F E D E R A T I O N SIGNS of a WILD TURKEY Tracks: You can tell which way a turkey is moving by looking at its tracks. You can
More informationEducational Documents
Educational Documents Aligned with TWA s Distance Learning Videoconferencing programs. For information about Distance Learning or the other programs TWA offers please contact Elanor Dean (edean@texas-wildlife.org)
More informationWild Turkeys A Reading A Z Shared Reading Book Word Count: 256
Wild Turkeys A Reading A Z Shared Reading Book Word Count: 256 Home Connection: Segmenting phonemes Your reader is learning to listen for and count the individual sounds in words. After you read the book
More informationTwo-queen colony management
Instructions Two-queen colony management C.L: Farrar, 1946 A strong colony is first divided temporarily into two colony units for the purpose of introducing the second queen. The old queen is confined
More informationDinosaurs. Lesson 1 Amazing dinosaurs. 1 Talk about it What do you know about dinosaurs?
6 Dinosaurs We re going to: ask and answer questions about dinosaurs talk about time and dates describe and compare dinosaurs read about and discuss dinosaur discoveries Lesson 1 Amazing dinosaurs 1 Talk
More informationPoultry Skillathon 2017
Age Divisions: Junior (8-11) Intermediate (12-14) Senior (15-18) Exhibitors will participate in age-based Skillathons. This study guide includes all topics an exhibitor might be tested on. Youth will only
More informationFrom an old APASOP 1915 and some notes from the Polish Breeder s Club. Clear differences highlighted in red. Shape of male
From an old APASOP 1915 and some notes from the Polish Breeder s Club. Clear differences highlighted in red. Crevecoeurs Weights: cock- 8lbs / Hen 7lbs The Crevecoeurs is one of the oldest of the French
More informationTurtle Research, Education, and Conservation Program
Turtle Population Declines Turtle Research, Education, and Conservation Program Turtles are a remarkable group of animals. They ve existed on earth for over 200 million years; that s close to 100 times
More informationLoss of wildlands could increase wolf-human conflicts, PA G E 4 A conversation about red wolf recovery, PA G E 8
Loss of wildlands could increase wolf-human conflicts, PA G E 4 A conversation about red wolf recovery, PA G E 8 A Closer Look at Red Wolf Recovery A Conversation with Dr. David R. Rabon PHOTOS BY BECKY
More informationIdentifying Plant and Animal Adaptations Answer Key
Identifying Plant and Animal Adaptations Answer Key Instructions: Review the provided photos on the ipad. Try to identify as many adaptations for each plant or animal and determine how each adaptation
More informationUnit 5 Lesson 5: Mouse Mess
Focus Areas: Pest Control Mechanical, Cultural; Science, Language Arts Focus Skills: critical thinking, observing, listening comprehension Dedicated to Reducing Pesticides Objective To determine safe ways
More informationAviagenBrief. Spiking Programs to Improve Fertility. Summary. November 2010
AviagenBrief November 2010 Spiking Programs to Improve Fertility North American Technical Team This article has been written specifically for poultry producers in North America. The advice provided is
More informationIn the News. Feral Hogs (Sus scrofa) in Texas. From the Field. What is in a name? 11/15/2013
Feral Hogs (Sus scrofa) in Texas In the News Mark Tyson, M.S. Extension Associate Texas A&M AgriLife Extension From the Field What is in a name? Wild Boar Wild Hog Wild Pig Feral Pig Feral Hog Razorback
More informationThe hen harrier in England
The hen harrier in England working today for nature tomorrow The hen harrier in England The hen harrier is one of England s most spectacular birds of prey and it is an unforgettable sight to watch this
More informationHow to Raise Healthy Geese for the Backyard Farm
How to Raise Healthy Geese for the Backyard Farm Do you want to raise healthy geese for your backyard farm? The goose is a good choice for a poultry addition to a homestead. Friendly and good at foraging,
More informationLivestock Guard Dog Case Study
Livestock Guard Dog Case Study Lewis Ranch, Val Verde County Dr. Reid Redden Extension Sheep & Goat Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Dr. John Tomecek Extension Wildlife Specialist Texas A&M AgriLife
More informationSenior Northern District Fair 4-H Turkey Record Book
Senior Northern District Fair 4-H Turkey Record Book Name: 4-H Club: Fair Age as of January 1, of the current year: Leader s Name: Turkey Record Date Beginning Date: Ending Date: 1 P age Objectives of
More informationCan Turkeys and Ducks Live Together?
Can Turkeys and Ducks Live Together? Four years ago we found out if turkeys and ducks can live together. After raising a pair of turkeys from poults we decided to breed them instead of eat them. The issue
More informationA Prairie Dog s Life. Visit for thousands of books and materials.
A Prairie Dog s Life A Reading A Z Level M Leveled Reader Word Count: 546 LEVELED READER M Written by Julie Mettenburg Visit www.readinga-z.com for thousands of books and materials. www.readinga-z.com
More information