[tbc] GRRnews: Turkey Story and DayOne Reminder

[Howard Thornhill]

GRRnews: Turkey Story and DayOne Reminder

Hope you enjoy the following turkey/cyclist story and that each of you had a GRReat turkey day. Also to remind you that my 17th annual New Year’s Day ride will be at Mohawk on the first day of 2008. - Howard

       Turkeys Chase Cyclists in Davis California         

Officials have hired a trapper to evict the birds, which pester mourners and chase runners and cyclists

By Hudson Sangree - Bee Staff Writer

 

(entire story at  this link) : http://www.sacbee.com/yolo/story/434516.html

 

… 35 wild turkeys have taken to intimidating graveside mourners and other human visitors. 

 

The turkeys ... not the domesticated, store-bought variety but wild turkeys, regarded as a fine meal by the Pilgrims and known in scientific circles as Meleagris gallopavo. About 35 of them have taken up residence in the Davis Cemetery on Pole Line Road, and three of the toms have become quite assertive with humans. "Caution!" read the signs posted amid the headstones. "Male turkeys may become aggressive. Do not approach or provoke them." Standing 3 feet tall, the father turkey and his two sons move as a group and sometimes advance on visitors.

 

Take a step toward them, and they take a step toward you. Run, and they follow at a trot. It can be disconcerting – even frightening. The turkeys have annoyed graveside mourners. And they have pursued runners, walkers and bikers in the cemetery, which serves as a de facto city park, according to cemetery staff.

 

Finkleman said the turkeys showed up at the cemetery last year, coming from an adjoining vacant property of oak trees and tall grass. Finkleman said she thinks they were fed and became emboldened with people. They learned to chase bikes because a man, always dressed in black, would ride through the cemetery making turkey calls, she said.

 

"I don't know what he was saying in turkey talk, but they started chasing him," she said.

Also to Remind You of DayOne Ride

Howard's 17th Annual New Year's DayOne Ride – 2008 at 1:00 PM - On day one, month one, at one, I hope you will join me for your first ride of the year. Regardless of gale or chill, if it is safe to drive to Mohawk Park, we will casually pedal (10-12 m.p.h.) from Mohawk Park for at least three and as many as thirty miles. Distance and route will be influenced by wind and temperature.


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