(Editors’ note. We are collectively gobsmacked by this collection of photos snapped by Christopher J Ananias, and we are equally pleased with the text. Enjoy–the Eds.)
They came running. Maybe this will never happen again? Giant, once they were upon us. Their size was intimidating, but something made me want to pet them on top of the head. I feared for their tameness.
The Light Bringer was amazed. I asked the Light Bringer what she thought, and she said, “They’re huge… Kinda scary.”
“Yeah, I wish we had some food, Light Bringer.” A sadness gripped me. I so wanted to make the magnificent birds happy.
The Light Bringer looked around inside the car, but the cupboard was bare. They surrounded our vehicle. The Light Bringer said, “Move now, c’mon now, Honey. Please move.”
By Christopher J Ananias and The Light Bringer
Saragun Springs 
Christopher
Such incredible creatures! Such impressive photos! Old Blue Head is a beautiful monster and resembles Michael “The Hills Have Eyes” Berryman. He (?) is strutting proudly.
No need to worry about feeding them; a healthy looking bunch. But they sure don’t blend. What a fantastic discovery!
Leila
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Hi Leila
Glad you enjoy the magic of these glorious birds!
Thanks!
CJA
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Great photos! I have to admit to a slightly embarrassing phobia of birds though, so I prefer photos to reality!
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Hi Paul
I think a lot of people share that phobia. They were pretty close, lol.
Thanks!
CJA
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incredible pictures and I know the sadness and guilt! We live in a duck rich zone!
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Hi Diane
Glad you like! Wildlife comes with a lot of worries.
Thanks!
CJA
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CJA and Light Bringer
These are epic pictures! The subject matter could not be more American, not only because of Thanksgiving mythology, but also because these almost became our national bird.
I had always wondered how they ever could have thought making the wild turkey our national bird was a good idea when we had the bald eagle we could use instead.
Your photo narrative has shown me the folly of my ways in this regard.
These are such magnificent creatures, wild-looking and majestic in their way.
Their off-putting, and even terrifying, appearance must have seemed quite uncanny back in the day and maybe even more so now.
Pictures like this begin with a sense of wonder and then they pass that feeling on to the viewer and participant of and within the narrative.
Wonderful, original work! A simple beauty that reminds us all how alive our mother, the Earth, is. Your special work enlivens the pages of the Springs in ways I can’t even describe!
DWB
PS
I also want to say a word for the background/s in these photos. The huge, vast, and massive prairies of Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa punctuated by woodlands are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, not to mention containing the best soil – in the world.
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Hi DWB
Yes it was quite a joy to get pictures of these turkeys. Makes it sound like they are turkeys, but they are turkeys. lol. What’s wrong with being a turkey? Humankind likes to criticize and make fun of animals and even demonize them for their own rotten ends. Usually farmers and ranchers.
If my lifestyle was different I would take turkeys off the menu, and probably every other animal. Maybe in the next life.
Ben F. had the right idea. He made a few disparaging remarks about the Bald Eagle to bolster his case.
I like the way you characterized the birds as American (so true), and the way you described the open prairies and woodlands of IN, IL, and IA–an under-appreciated landscape.
Thanks for your excellent comments!
CJA
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Yes! Ben Franklin wanted the Turkey as our bird. I see plenty of Eagles, but never a Wild Turkey (except the “other kinds”), but I can see where both would be fine choices. Both are fierce and their faces stick with you!
Again,
Leila
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Nice photos and fun words. We used to get wild turkeys in our yard and even a beared male once in a while. I never got such good pix though.
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