If you didn’t know this one was coming, you don’t know my sense of humor yet. It’s that time of year, so let’s take a deeper look at the majestic and iconic wild turkey.

With a geographic range spanning across the North American continent, they can be found from the dense forests of Canada to the open woodlands of Mexico. This adaptable species thrives in a variety of habitats, such as:  forests — particularly hardwood and mixed pine groves — with scattered clearings; areas around rivers and streams; open habitats in the semi-arid southwest, such as timber plantations, pasture and agricultural clearings.

During the spring mating season, male turkeys or “toms” perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females. These typically include puffing out their chests, fanning their tail feathers, and their distinctive gobbling sounds. The competition among toms for the attention of hens is a captivating spectacle for birdwatchers lucky enough to witness it.

When nesting and breeding time rolls around, the hens will construct shallow nests on the ground, hidden among tall grasses or underbrush.

After laying a clutch of eggs, she incubates them for about 28 days. The vulnerability of the ground nests adds an element of suspense to the birdwatching experience, as observers eagerly await the hatching of the turkey chicks or “poults.”

The fascinating folklore surrounding wild turkeys adds a layer of cultural significance. In Native American traditions, the turkey is often associated with abundance and shared resources. Various tribes have myths and legends featuring the turkey as a symbol of good fortune and communal prosperity.

For the Pueblo, the wild turkey is associated with fertility, abundance, and rain. In one myth, the turkey was a messenger from the storm god and brought rain clouds to Earth. The bird also helped humans plant corn and taught them how to dance and sing.

To this day, some tribes honor the turkey by making offerings of corn and feathers, and imitating its movements in their dances.

Not all folklore is quite so reverential. For example, the Lakota consider the wild turkey to be a trickster and shape-shifter. According to one story, the turkey was a man who was cursed by a witch and turned into a bird. Although the turkey tried to trick people into believing he was still human, they saw through his disguise and laughed at him. The turkey was ashamed and ran away, but he still tries to fool the people with his human-like voice and behavior.

Birdwatchers seeking to observe wild turkeys will find certain environments more fruitful than others. Woodlands with a mix of open spaces — providing a balance of cover and visibility — are prime locations. So are areas near water sources and fields with ample food resources. Patience is a must, since watching these birds in their natural habitat requires the observer to be quiet and unobtrusive.