By Lowell Washburn
For Iowa’s wild turkeys, the lengthening days of spring bring on a dramatic change in attitude. Gobblers that have peacefully spent the entire winter residing in close knit bachelor groups are suddenly defriending their associates. It’s the spring nesting season and for long bearded, ill-tempered toms, the wooing of hens has become a far greater priority than the maintenance of old alliances. Engaged in a perpetual quest for dominance, mature gobblers are now short fused and volatile. And whenever a pair of these twenty-plus pound feathered giants decide to duke it out, the results are dramatic.
The Nature Conservancy’s Clausen’s Cove – located along the Farmer’s Beach area of Clear Lake’s south shore – is one of my favorite places to view and photograph a wide range of woodland wildlife – including the eastern wild turkey. While at the area last week, I was treated to a classic example of just how intense a turkey rumble can be.
The event began when two widely separated gobblers simultaneously emerged from the oak timber to forage in some adjacent corn stubble. Upon becoming aware of each other’s presence, the pair quickly converged. Once they were together, it didn’t take long for tempers to flare. It was the beginning of a genuine spring smackdown, and I had a ringside seat.
Round One kicked off with a bit of low-key saber rattling which included strutting, gobbling, and some harmless chest bumping. Once these formalities had been completed, the birds squared off and got down to the real business of deciding who was going to rule the roost. The Long Beards appeared to be evenly matched, and it took some additional posturing before either bird made its move. The actual battle began with some bob-and-weave head pecking before quickly escalating to the vigorous use of claw and spur. Following multiple bouts of intense rooster-like sparring, the gobblers paused to recalculate. By now, each bird had felt the sting of their opponent’s beak, claws, and spurs.
Having gained newfound respect for each other’s weaponry, the toms warily circled round and round with each seeking the advantage. Finally seeing what he perceived as an opening, the bird on the right made his move, lunging forward and then going airborne with a mighty leap. On his way back to earth, the gobbler made the most of his split-second opportunity by raking his adversary with a powerful thrust of his spurs. The impact of the needle-sharp daggers was enough to knock the recipient backwards – throwing the victim completely off his feet and onto his tail. That blow was the equivalent of an avian TKO. The decision was final — This match was over. Having sustained more than enough punishment to quell his enthusiasm, the ruffled gobbler had no desire for further conflict. Bruised and beaten, the defeated turkey promptly fled the scene. The newly confirmed Ruler of the Roost celebrated his victory by strutting back and forth across the corn.
Enjoy more wildlife tales online at Washburn’s Outdoor Journal at iawildlife.org/blog/.
