Tom Turkeys are gobbling and strutting now as the courtship season begins. You may encounter the birds displaying along park roadways, so please slow down and watch for wildlife—and other visitor’s cars stopped due to wildlife! Be especially cautious when going around blind curves. As this photo shows, sometimes the birds will display right in the center of the roadway… and they are NOT interested in moving out of your way anytime soon!
The gobbles of male turkeys can be heard almost a mile away. When displaying, males droop their wings until the tips almost drag on the ground and spread their tails wide. Courtship season lasts from March until May.
Photo: Displaying turkeys block US-441 between Gatlinburg and Sugarlands Visitor Center. From the Park’s Facebook page.
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