Wild Turkey

  Just returned from a trip to the Bay Area where — after lots of time with our delightful grandchildren — I did a little exploring on the north side of Mount Diablo. Martin Fink and I found this Wild Turkey hen sitting on a clutch of eggs in a Mugwort patch. This is Meleagris gallopavo intermedia (Rio Grande Wild Turkey). They are native to the central plains states and were introduced into central and western California.  I wonder if she chose the Mugwort because it’s a natural insect repellent or if it just made for good cover. We wouldn’t have seen it if I wasn’t sticking my nose in the Mugwort’s business.