In The Mood For Love

The neighborhood turkeys have been putting on quite the show lately. For a bird with the distinction of being a rather ugly creature, the turkey transforms himself into a creature of wonder and beauty when he's in the mood for love. During the spring, the male turkeys strut and carry on for the females, who generally act as if they could care less.

One day early in the spring there was a lone turkey out in the street, proudly displaying his magnificent plumage, fluffed up and colorful, deliberately strutting one way and then the other. No other bird was in sight. The general consensus was that he must have been practicing his moves.

My office window looks out onto the driveway and back of the property. The male turkeys enjoy using the driveway as their "stage" because it makes for a much more impressive sound when they drag their wings (if you've never heard the "wing drag" before, you would be amazed at how loud it is, especially on concrete!)

A few days ago I was on an important conference call and right outside the window (literally, feet away), were a couple of male turkeys strutting for all they were worth. Well, one was giving it his all; the other seemed somewhat less invested. It was amusing to consider that the people on the other end of my conference call would never in a million years be able to guess what I was watching as we discussed a potential business partnership. The show went on and on. Eventually I got curious. I didn't see any other turkeys around. Were these two practicing? 

Then I spotted her. A lone female turkey at the edge of the driveway.

(Generally oblivious, as usual.)

"Hey there good lookin', want to go out looking for insects together later?"

"Have you ever seen such fine feathers? Such a strong chest?"

(Notice me... oh please notice me).

 "Well, darn..."