My New Pro-Staffer

[Old Geezer]

I always wondered how the gobblers made the sounds of spit and drum.  I was able to get mere inches away from this two year old Rio/Merriams hybrid bird and observed that the spit sound was made when he opened his beak slightly and quickly drew in air.  The drum was made as he exhaled that air and made the vibration inside his chest.   He was comfortable when I was on his level, but I began to see the start of some aggressive body language when I stood to close to him.

Ralph

[GR8CALLS]

If............you ever retire Lee, I bet Tiffany will be very happy! Interesting what you can learn from watching nature on its own terms!

Bill

[Mmcdonald]

Ralph you better let National Geographic know!

[mmclain]

That is close.  Rare learning experience!!!

[jmck]

That Drummong sound is really something great to hear in the woods sounds like you were really close Ralph

[M Sharpe]

Herb McClure had one he called "Old Tom" that he had encounters with on a regular basis! He is mentioned in the back section of his book, Native Turkeys.

[Jacobson]

Very cool.