Veronica Gracia-Wing

Aside from our vegetarian and vegan friends, how many of us have taken a moment to consider the turkey pre-oven and pre-tryptophan-induced bliss?

With the Thanksgiving season in full swing, let's take a moment to learn a bit more about a seemingly boring bird that has an all but boring history here in Michigan.

For the first time in our state's history, wild turkeys are now found in every county of the Lower Peninsula, as well as in several areas in the Upper Peninsula. This is remarkable when you consider that what was once an abundant population had virtually vanished in those same counties by the mid-20th century.

Humans had overhunted and destroyed the habitat of wild turkey for generations — to the point of extirpation (local extinction). It would take years and the efforts of conservation heroes to bring this bird back from the brink. The comeback of the wild turkey is arguably one of the greatest conservation stories we have to tell.

Now that they're here to stay it's time to learn a few fun facts about this comeback bird:

•The wild turkey is one of the largest birds in North America.

•Wild turkeys live in open fields and woods and nest on the ground.

•Wild turkeys prefer to eat insects, grasses, nuts and berries.

•A baby turkey is called a poult; a teenager is called a jake or jenny; an adult male is a tom; and an adult female is a hen. A group is called a rafter.

•The "beard" that grows from the center of a wild turkey's breast is actually a group of modified feathers that look like hair. Beards are most commonly found on toms, although hens will grow them occasionally.

•Benjamin Franklin wanted the wild turkey, not the bald eagle, to be the country's national bird.

•Wild turkeys are powerful fliers, reaching speeds of up to 55 mph over short distances.

If you've only ever seen a turkey on the dinner table, come on out to Fenner Nature Center to check them out in their natural habitat! Fenner currently has two active flocks of eight to 12 turkeys that frequent the oak tree stand and prairie on the property. They often can be seen crossing the parking lot early in the morning on their way over to the river trail.

For more information on Fenner programs and events visit www.mynaturecenter.org. And be sure to share the cool history of the turkey around your table this Thanksgiving!