Spring has sprung here in the Pacific Northwest and the Wild Turkeys are all about looking for love in their plumed glory. I found several flocks of Wild Turkeys this past week in the most unexpected of places, Wildlife Safari in Winston, OR. I went to check out the big animals…lions and tigers and bears and instead ended up spending the majority of my time chasing the Wild Turkeys that were everywhere! There are so many people driving through the park that the birds really ignore the vehicles and were quite accommodating to get their pictures taken.

Bird Photography from Wildlife Safari Park

The stars of the day were the strutting, courting, displaying Wild Turkeys.

Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo strutting towards a harem of hen turkeys photographed by Jeff Wendorff

Wild Turkey heading towards the harem of hens

A male Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo in full fantail display photographed by Jeff Wendorff

Tom Turkey in full display

Tom Turkey in partial display photographed by Jeff Wendorff

Tom Turkey in partial display

Excited Wild Turkey with an engorged wattle and snood photographed by Jeff Wendorff

That’s a “snood” over the bill of the turkey

Front view of a Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo breeding plumage with full display photographed by Jeff Wendorff

Full fanned out tail

Full fantail display of a wild turkey 's breeding plumage photographed by Jeff Wendorff

A rear view of the fantail.

A young tom turkey showing off his breeding colors photographed by Jeff Wendorff

Breeding Plumage Display

Front view showing the Wild Turkey beard and wattle

Front view showing the beard and wattle

 

 

Wildlife Safari Park Location

[res_map address=”43.140953,-123.427448″ description=”Wildlife Safari” directionstext=”Directions” icon=”https://www.jeffwendorff.com/image/marker.png” style=”1″ pancontrol=”no” scalecontrol=”no” typecontrol=”no” streetcontrol=”no” zoom=”13″ zoomcontrol=”no” draggable=”yes” scrollwheel=”no” width=”100%” height=”300px” maptype=”roadmap” popup=”yes” center=”” refresh=”no”]

Bird Photography Portfolio

I have a large number of images in my bird photography portfolio. All of them are available for sale as prints or may be licensed for your publication. You can check out my bird photography…HERE.

Wildlife and Nature Photography Workshops

I lead workshops around the country throughout the year. If you are interested in improving your skills, check out my current offerings…HERE.