Poultry Fodder

On my way into work this morning, I was hurrying to get inside and out of the cold when I heard a noise. I did a double take as I saw a big bird walking alongside the building. It wasn’t the typical duck or goose that you see frequenting the office park, but a giant turkey!

I almost wanted to stop and ask him how he survived thanksgiving in THIS economy when I saw someone in my periphery. The guy behind me didn’t even look up at the large bird heading our way. In an attempt to seem as un-phased as he was, I continued into the building.

I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ve NEVER seen a TURKEY wondering around in the city. Once in WV, on a farm, yes. But seeing them as I walk into the office??

I asked the guy incredulously, “was that a turkey?”
He confirmed and proceeded to tell me that usually there are a group of them. -----Side note, that got me wondering what you call a group of turkeys, a brood, a cackle? Any guesses without googling?

He offered his opinion on the matter, which validated my initial reaction since he has also pondered their presence. He thought they were drawn to their reflection in the side of the building.

This reminded me of when Franklin was a kitten. I lived in an apartment at the time, so I had no control over some things. In particular, those lovely mirrored sliding closet doors. Well Franklin would run like a crazy cat all through the house, literally bouncing off the walls of each room, until he caught a glimpse of his reflection. He would stop abruptly, staring at the stranger cat, immediately puffing up and arching his back. In the puffed up, arched back state, he assumed the stranger cat was in the same defensive state. He would hiss at the stranger cat, who refused to back down, and run through the rest of the house.

Franklin was only about 6lbs when he would do this. Harmless compared to the rafter of giant turkeys. (did you notice I just gave away the answer to my question? Real subtle, I know.)