Benjamin Franklin's National Bird

[albert]

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Why did Ben Franklin want the turkey as the national bird?

 

Eagles had long been associated with empire, a form of government he was strongly against.

 

In addition, Benjamin Franklin felt the turkey had far more noble qualities than the Bald Eagle. Of the Bald Eagle, he wrote:

 

... he is a bird of bad moral character, he does not get his living honestly... Besides he is a rank coward; the little kingbird, not bigger than a sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the district.

 

Yet, of the turkey, he wrote:

 

...the turkey is in comparison a much more respectable bird, and withal a true original native of America . . . a bird of courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards, who should presume to invade his farmyard with a red coat on.

 

 

Read more: Answers.com - Why did Ben Franklin want the turkey as the national bird

 

See the beards on their chests?......Both are male.

[albert]

Lonesome Gobbler

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[geaibleu]

Great pictures! so clear and detailed! Lucky you!

They are making quite a comeback in Eastern Ontario. I wish I were a Red coat to get close enough to them.

[stuny]

Al -

 

Very nice, especially #1.

[pauledell]

Al,

 

Great shots, especially the first. Excellent composition, colors and sharpness.

 

Paul

[michali]

A- I really like the first photo. Colours and detail are superb!

[albert]

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Gea, Stuart, Paul, MIKE,

 

I was with my two year old grandson, Ollie, hunting for pictures in Fort Snelling State Park. We slowly rolled-up next to these two and began the capture.......we were forced to whistle in order to gain their complete attention. Good Times. Thanks for the notice.

[Your Old Dog]

We are overrun with them here in Western New York. Saw a flock of maybe 60 birds some two days ago but I wasn't near close enough to get a shot.

 

Were you shooting from the car window? Its pretty tough to get this close to these jakes. Supposedly they have eyesight comparable to 7 power binoculars. They work together with deer to stay save. The deer rely on the jakes powerful eyesight and the birds rely on the deers keen sense of smell.

 

If I got as close as you my friends would ask why my hand was wrapped around one of their throats. Wild turkey make awesome meals.

[albert]

Ray,

 

They had thrown caution to the wind because of the deep snow combined with their search for food. Also, these birds live in a state park and must be losing some of thir natural instincts. I agree, they do make a fine meal. I really enjoyed your observations.

[garyp]

Very good, thanks for showing

[George James]

Al,

 

Both shots are very good.

[darkness30]

Al great images, A gobbler hunters dream may be Tanks for sharing.

 

Mehmet