Two turkeys strolling through Bartram’s Garden last summer. (Photo by West Philly Local)
Some people have written us with concerns about the turkey that has been spotted strolling around the neighborhood in recent days. As suspected, the turkey appears to be from Bartram’s Garden.
The turkey apparently got into a territorial dispute with his brother and took off. Spokeswoman Kim Massare said the Bartram’s Garden staff is interested in getting updates on the turkey, but other than that there is not much that can be done.
“They are federally protected birds and they generally have a wide territory,” said Massare. “If it’s in good health and seems happy there’s no reason to be concerned.”
If the bird does appear to be injured, she suggested contacting the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge or the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, which operates a wildlife rehabilitation clinic.
Otherwise, you can help document the bird’s whereabouts by snapping a photo, leaving a comment here or visiting the Bartram’s Garden Facebook page here.
A turkey, possibly one of those in the photo above, rambling down 50th Street near Springfield. (Photo courtesy of @kayasinfo on Twitter)
April 15th, 2013 at 12:48 pm
I’d like to give thanks to all the kind people who haven’t harmed the turkey, and especially to those who are posting photo sightings. Another reason to love West Phil.
April 15th, 2013 at 2:10 pm
I spotted the turkey this morning at 49th St. Station. It gobbled for a bit, and then headed up the stairs towards Kingsessing and made a right. It looked like it wanted to get into the field to do some feeding. It was still in good health, as far as I could tell.
April 15th, 2013 at 5:24 pm
hopefully it will find its way to the Woodlands and have a whole new greenspace to enjoy!
April 15th, 2013 at 9:06 pm
I have been enjoying these guys all winter at Bartram’s not knowing they weren’t mates. Do keep the pictures and notices coming! I also hope he finds his way to the Woodlands. We have a fox and hawks. We need a turkey! Anybody have a couple of female turkeys to share?