Wild Turkey Revival on Long Island: A New Garden Visitor and Conservation Success Story

This Month in the Garden: A New Visitor!

Welcome to This Month in the Garden! I have a new fascination with wild turkeys and since one visited my garden, it is garden related, right?! Over the past few decades, Long Island has witnessed a remarkable revival in its wild turkey population. Once on the brink of local extinction, these iconic birds now roam the wooded areas and open spaces of the island in numbers. Since I just followed one around my property, it sparked me to do some research on the revival of this remarkable creature. I had seen them here and there as an unusual sighting around the island and had heard stories, but now one was strutting around my garden like she owned the place! A friend told me that she was digging in my garden because she was eating grubs...not a bad thing.

Historically, wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a native species of North America, abundant throughout the U.S. including Long Island, with its origins tracing back to at least 11 million years. However, by the early 1900s, excessive hunting and habitat loss had greatly diminished their population. By the mid-1900's, sightings of wild turkeys on the island had become rare, and the species was considered locally extinct. The turnaround began in the late 1900's when organizations such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and other local conservation groups collaborated to restore suitable habitats and implement protective measures. 

Wild Turkey are members of the Galliformes order, which also includes pheasants, grouse, and quails. Adult males, known as toms or gobblers, have iridescent plumage with a mix of bronze, copper, and greenish-gold hues. Females, called hens, are slightly smaller and have more muted plumage compared to males. They play a vital role in raising offspring, constructing nests on the ground, and protecting their young from predators. Wild turkeys are adaptable birds found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and swamps. They are highly social creatures, living in flocks known as a "rafter" or "gang" which provides safety in numbers and allows them to forage more efficiently. During the breeding season in spring, male turkeys put on elaborate displays to attract mates. This includes puffing up their feathers, fanning their tails into a dramatic display called a "strut," and emitting the iconic gobbling call to announce their dominance. Turkeys are omnivorous, feeding on a diet of seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. Their return has had positive ecological impacts on Long Island, as they play a crucial role in forest ecosystems by controlling insect populations, dispersing seeds, and creating habitat diversity. 

One key aspect of the massive conservation effort has been habitat restoration. Through land acquisition, reforestation projects, and habitat management, conservationists have recreated vital habitats here on Long Island. Another critical step was the implementation of hunting regulations and protections. Wild turkeys have been designated as a protected species, with strict hunting seasons and limits enforced to prevent overharvesting. This has allowed turkey populations to recover without human interference. Today, Long Island holds a healthy and sustainable population of wild turkeys, symbolizing a successful conservation comeback. In conclusion, the revival of wild turkeys on Long Island is a testament to the collective efforts of government agencies, conservation organizations, and the community. By restoring habitats, implementing protective measures, and fostering public awareness, Long Island has welcomed back a symbol of wilderness and conservation success.

I hope you enjoyed This Month in the Garden. Be sure to stop by on the 1st. and 15th. of each month as I continue to share gardening tips, information and horticultural adventures! Have you seen these visitors in your neighborhood and what have been your experiences with them? We'd love to hear!

Plan your Dream Garden with my Books!

A Guide to Northeastern Gardening: Journeys of a Garden Designer Zones 3-9

Landscape Design Combinations

Dream, Garden, Grow!-Musings of a Lifetime Gardener 

Gardening by Month: A Monthly Guide to Planning the Northeastern & Mid-Atlantic Garden

Shade Gardening for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

"As Always...Happy Gardening!" 

Author: Lee @A Guide to Northeastern Gardening, © Copyright 2010-2024. All rights reserved.