With the acquisition of three properties on Johns Island along Betsy Kerrison Parkway , the Conservancy has an opportunity to support wild turkey populations . “ There is greater ecosystem diversity along the Betsy Kerrison properties than on Kiawah ,” Collie claims . “ There is a densely wooded forest adjacent to open grasslands with ephemeral wetlands as a water source . The turkeys have a place to roost and a place to feed . We ’ ve seen them pretty thick in the open area near the old Rosebank Farms stand .”
Collie says the Conservancy will manage the properties for turkeys going forward , maintaining open grass fields and planting pine trees because turkeys love to roost in them . “ The Conservancy is concerned about all wildlife species . We ’ re centered around habitat . We know they are mostly lost on Kiawah and hope to promote a wildlife corridor through these properties so the species can move through what ' s left on Kiawah and Johns Island .”
The behavior of wild turkeys is a study in complexity and social interaction . These birds are highly social and spend much of their lives in flocks , especially during the winter months . In these large , mixed-sex groups , turkeys find safety in numbers , working together to fend off predators and locate food .
As spring approaches , however , this camaraderie gives way to competition . Males , known as toms or gobblers , become fiercely territorial , and their famous gobbling is both a call to potential mates and a challenge to rival males . This gobble , loud and echoing through the forests , signals the start of the breeding season , where dominance is key to reproductive success .
The courtship rituals of the wild turkey are nothing short of spectacular . Toms engage in an elaborate display to attract females , puffing up their bodies , fanning their tail feathers , and strutting with the breeding season ' s confidence . Their heads , usually a pale blue-gray , flush with bright reds and blues as they drum and gobble , a performance meant to showcase their vigor and desirability . Hens , though more subdued in appearance , are discerning in their choice , selecting mates based on the quality of these displays .
Once mating is complete , the female assumes the solitary task of nesting and rearing her young . She seeks out a secluded spot , often within dense vegetation , to lay her clutch of ten to twelve eggs . She incubates the eggs for nearly a month , rarely leaving the nest . When the poults hatch , they are remarkably self-sufficient , ready to follow their mother and begin foraging within hours . The hen leads her brood to areas rich in insects , which are essential for the rapid growth of the young turkeys .
The habitat of wild turkeys is as varied as their behavior . These birds are adaptable but have specific needs that must be met in order to thrive . The turkeys along the South Carolina coast favor areas that offer a mix of mature forests , pine savannas , and open fields . Mature hardwood forests , rich in oak and hickory trees , provide
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