Wild Turkeys in Cherryville
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Wild Turkeys on Highway 6 Signal Growing Population in Cherryville Area
Cherryville, BC - The sighting of three wild turkeys casually walking and foraging along Highway 6 near Cherryville this week is the latest sign that the local wild turkey population continues to grow and expand in the North Okanagan.
The three adult males (toms) were observed in the early evening, moving confidently between the gravel shoulder and pavement edge with little concern for passing traffic.
Late May follows the peak spring breeding season, when male wild turkeys typically form small bachelor groups. They forage and travel together through the summer, while hens are occupied with nesting and raising young.
Wild turkeys were once uncommon in British Columbia, but their numbers have been steadily increasing across the Okanagan region over the past two decades.
The species, mainly Merriam’s wild turkeys, has adapted well to the area’s mixed forests and valleys, making sightings like this one on Highway 6 increasingly common.
North America’s largest game bird, wild turkeys are strong runners (up to 18 mph), capable of short flights, and roost safely in trees at night.
They are opportunistic foragers, feeding on insects, berries, seeds, and acorns.While these birds are a welcome sign of a healthy and expanding wildlife population.
Wild Turkeys in Cherryville
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