[CT Birds] Chester, 2/29 - more signs of spring (turkeys and crows)

[Tammy Eustis]

2/29, Chester - Had nine tom turkeys in full display in our yard this morning, with 2-3 others at "half-staff". Easily the highest number of males we've had since they first started visiting 10 years ago. Add 30+ hens to the mix, and we've got a setup for some nasty turkey fights this spring!
I love that the sun is coming up earlier these days, and I make a point of greeting the sunrise with our neighborhood crows. We now have a flock of 11 "regulars", who perch each morning in one of the tallest trees (usually our poplar). Over the course of the early morning, other crows stream overhead, obviously coming from one of the state roosts - as they pass by, they exchange calls with "our" crows ("Have a good day"? "See you tonight"?). Once all of the flybys have come and gone, the regulars settle in to their normal routine for the day.
- Tammy Eustis, Chester