One of the coolest things about living in the country is the occasional wildlife that stops by. In this post, I share the wild turkeys and some fun facts about them in this Wild Turkey Sighting Post.
Oliver and Kink Kitty When Turkeys Drop By
How cool is that… turkeys decided to stop by the woods near our bonfire the other spring night. In this video see how new pup Oliver and Kink Kitty act.
This video is on my YouTube page at Bren Haas Channel
Wild Turkeys In Ohio
Here are some fun facts about wild turkeys in Ohio. The wild turkey returned to the state after many years of absence. This bird once inhabited forested areas of the entire state, providing food and sport for Native Americans and early Ohio settlers. By 1904 there were no more wild turkeys in Ohio. You can imagine what a treat it is to hear the turkeys in the woods around our home.
Wild Turkey
In 2014 a flock of wild turkey visited. It was the first time I ever spotted them so close and outdoors. Here are a few of the photos I took of that encounter. I want to note that it is super important to keep your distance from wildlife like the turkey. The wild turkey is Ohio’s largest upland game bird and can attack you! The critter stands three to four feet tall and weighing up to 24 pounds. Keep your distance! They will gobble and let you know to back off!
Backyard Sighting
At first, I thought it might be one of the eagles that nest close by but as I looked closer the bird was much ‘fatter’ and its head was small. As I got about 10 feet of the tree where these creatures were nesting I noticed there were 8 of them just above me…. they were turkeys. I had NEVER seen such a sight in my backyard.
Michigan Sighting
Just a few weeks before spotting the turkey in my backyard I had spotted a flock of turkeys walking across the street in a Brighton, Michigan subdivision. I couldn’t believe there was wild turkey walking in town. Just look at that landscape!
They just keep on walking like no big deal….
Welcome Wildlife To Your Backyard
Check out more wildlife blog post and how to welcome them to your backyard.
My Smart Bird Feeder Review
Smart Feeder on Trellis This solar panel smart bird feeder with camera was added to my home garden in early December 2024. I have not had any issues with the feeder since that time. What I like most about the feeder is the ability to watch the birds that arrive LIVE and record if I want. I also can remove the SD card to get the large images and video that have been saved. If you have a paid subscription you can upload from the cloud but I prefer to use the device with the easy to use app for my iphone. Winter Visitor About the Smart Bird Feeder with Wifi Introducing a Bird Feeder with a Camera that Features AI for Bird Species Identification. This Smart Birdhouse comes equipped with a solar panel, offering 2K live video streaming and instant arrival notifications. The bird camera automatically captures incoming birds and records videos of them as they enter the detection area. You’ll receive instant notifications on your phone, complete with high-resolution snapshots. The motion-activated bird camera feeder features a 120° wide-angle lens and 1080p resolution, allowing you to clearly observe a variety of birds both during the day and at night. The built-in 3X magnification captures intricate details, including their vibrant feathers. With a 2L large-capacity feeder, you won’t have to refill birdseed often. Additionally, the IP65 waterproof funnel design ensures that the birds can enjoy their dry food without worry. There is a paid subscription option but so far I have been using the ‘free’ app to view my images and videos on the SD card that is in the feeder. Super easy to add bird food to this feeder with out having to take the unit down off of the arbor. NO BATTERIES needed even though they are in the device. I use the solar panels to charge the battery and it has worked perfect even during the winter season with little sunshine. Smart Bird Feeder Highlights I have had a squirrel visit the feeder twice in the last 6 months. When I get the alert on my mobile app I can view what is at the feeder. It is easy to turn on the live camera to see what the squirrel is up to. There is an ALERT alarm you can activate that works perfect to scare the squirrel away. I have only had to use the alarm once on each encounter. The critter doesn’t mind my voice when I use the live microphone however the alert alarm does that trick! The birdwatching feature on this device captivated me throughout the winter months. It’s a true joy to see all the new birds that come to the feeder, made even better by the camera that captures both images and videos. I relish watching the birds change their colors as they move from spring into summer. Racoon Visits Feeder At Night The most notable visitor recently was a raccoon that showed up a few nights ago. Fortunately, the feeder and the large trellis it is connected to sustained no damage. I’m quite surprised the raccoon managed to avoid breaking either the feeder or the solar panel. Now, I need to find a way to deter this critter, as it tends to arrive between midnight and 5 a.m., a time when my bird feeder notifications are turned off. I’m considering using hot pepper seeds to keep the raccoon at bay. I wonder if it will be as effective on this animal as it is with squirrels. https://youtu.be/QT8KFfQ4HWg The video about was my first edited video to share online. It was super easy to get the images and videos off of the HD card in the wifi smart feeder. You can also download the high resolution videos from the app. Here is the link to the feeder I feature on my website today: https://amzn.to/3RaGcde https://youtube.com/shorts/Qhcc54TNHSAhttps://youtube.com/shorts/lYL11y-ASc8 More Fun Videos… I am addicted! Let’s Connect I would love to hear from you so be sure to comment below or leave a note on my about page. Do you birdwatch? I will no doubt be sharing more from my home garden about this device so be sure to bookmark my site. Happy Birdwatching, Bren 🌸
Deer Repellent Spray Review
The spray I am using is a liquid deterrent that poses no harm to any wildlife, including humans, dogs, cats, birds, and aquatic creatures. In this post, you will discover a video showcasing how my landscape conifer trees treated with this spray appear during the coldest winter days. VLOG Featuring Deer Repellant Join me on a walk about in the winter garden out to the dome. I am sharing what the trees look like after watching a few deer ‘tour’ my gardens. Find Video below: https://youtu.be/OILLcHXvT7o The Deer Proofing My Baby Trees with Spray Solution is WORKING video is on my Bren Haas Channel. IF you have issues viewing this content or want more information feel free to reach out to me on my contact page. Facts about the Deer Spray Repellant When I first started using the deer spray I had no idea it would save me so much heartache. After all… how can a fairly inexpensive product you can easily get save the beloved conifers from winter deer munching?! It is true, and in my attached video from 2025 you will see just how it worked for my newly planted conifers. Below are a few facts about the deer spray repellant called Bobbex I am using. LONG-LASTING – Bobbex Deer Repellent stands out as the most effective long-lasting spray available. Once applied, this deer repellent remains intact and won’t wash away. NATURAL INGREDIENTS – Bobbex is eco-friendly, composed of only natural ingredients that deter deer browsing through a combination of smell and taste deterrents. This animal repellent effectively keeps deer, elk, and moose out of your garden or yard. EASY TO APPLY – Simply spray the solution directly onto the foliage to ward off deer. This product comes as a concentrate and should be diluted in water prior to application. Once mixed, it is compatible with E-Z pump devices. HARMLESS TO WILDLIFE – When used as instructed, this liquid deterrent is safe for the environment and poses no harm to wildlife, including humans, pets like dogs and cats, birds, and aquatic life. SAFE FOR USE ON MOST PLANTS – This ready-to-use formula can be applied directly to ornamentals and many edible vegetables when used as directed. However, it is not suitable for most edible leaves and herbs, nor for rough-skinned berries such as strawberries or raspberries. Bobbex Deer Spray Repellant I last bought my Bobbex Deer Spray Repellent a year ago. I store the container in the basement, where temperatures remain below 65°F and it’s shielded from direct sunlight. The package is double-bagged to prevent any spills or leaks from affecting anything in the house. I must admit, when I mix it, the odor is quite strong, so handle it carefully to avoid any spills. While applying the spray to shrubs on a windy day, I accidentally got some on my gloves, and it took a single wash in the machine to eliminate the smell. You can find Bobbex Deer Spray Repellent on Amazon, where I purchase mine: https://amzn.to/40tef4N. Please refer to my affiliate disclosure page for more information. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a small commission from this sale. Bucks in My Yard Shrubs and Trees Featured in This VLOG Below I want to share a few of the trees and shrubs that are featured in this video. I will list the plants / trees here and share links to more details. American Arborvitae Green Giant Thuja Birds Nest Shrub North Pole Shrub Hellebore Perennial Norway Spruce Tree Watch for updates on my blog featuring vlog from upcoming Tree Sale at the Soil and Water Conservation District. Let’s Connect Thank you for considering to try this product on your own garden. If you do please be sure to leave a comment for me below on my blog post. Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Happy Deer Repelling!
New Baby Deer Sighting
In this post I am sharing a new video from the trail camera featuring a baby deer. Check out video and images here!
Daisy Fleabane in My Home Garden
Just a quick post to share the beautiful little flower I found in my garden today. I didn’t plant it… maybe a bird? Who knows but it is something I don’t want to forget. Daisy Fleabane I have to be honest – I didn’t know the name of this plant. I asked on my GardenChat group featured on Facebook today. After I got a few responses I search Google for more details. I found information on the Erigeron Annuus. Of course, I am not going to remember that long name (who needs to??) I will remember Fleabane. Below are a few of the images I took of the flower. Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. (Daisy Fleabane, Eastern daisy fleabane) I would love to hear what you think about this plant so please comment on this post. About The Plant A member of the aster family (Asteraceae) and has a summer annual life cycle. Seed of this species germinates in spring, and newly emerging plants produce a rosette of leaves. Flower stems and flowers are produced in early to mid-May, produce seed, and plants die back during hot weather or at the end of the growing season. I read on the USDA site that the plant mixed with other herbs was used to treat headaches and inflammation of the nose and throat and to break fevers. To use as a tea the plant is boiled and mixed with tallow to make a balm used as a spread on skin sores. The Cherokee and Houma tribes boil the roots to make a drink for ‘menstruation troubles’ and to induce miscarriages. Cows graze this plant for forage. Wildlife such as deer use it as plant food. Butterflies and other pollinators love the flowers! Let’s Connect Do you grow the Fleabane? I would love to hear your story so please comment on this post or reach out to me at BrenHaas social media. I am really excited to discover this plant in my home garden and can’t wait to share more with you in the days to come. Happy Gardening,
Let’s Connect
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Happy Turkey Day,
4 Comments on “Wild Turkey Sighting In My Ohio Backyard”
Now I’m really scared that I was so close to this group of wild turkeys. Could it be that Ohio turkeys are nice?! HA Either way, thank you for sharing your story and I will totally remember these events if I ever see them again.
Happy Thanksgiving Mo!
I once went for a walk on the top of a mountain in Queensland early in the morning when a brush turkey appeared, gave me the evil eye and rushed towards me intent on attack. Luckily I was able to grab a fallen branch and bat it off as I backed to my car and rushed inside for safety. When I got back home, I told my husband what had happened and my husband fell around laughing saying “Who’s the real turkey, gobble, gobble!”.
That is a really cool link to the documentary Jaime – thank you for sharing this link. I will keep the ‘zoom lens’ in mind if I ever get to see those wild turkeys again. Happy Thanksgiving to yoU!
Isn’t it just thrilling to see nature up close and personal? How fun. We’ve got a lot of turkeys around here but I’ve never seen them quite that close other than in my car. I would’ve felt just a tiny bit uneasy too.
I watched a documentary once on PBS about this man who imprinted on baby turkeys the moments they were born and lived with them for a year or so as their “mama”. It was so interesting and heart warming but also devastating in the end and heartbreaking. He said that his last turkey to leave, ended up fighting him (as it viewed him as a threat out of the blue) and he was scared. He said they could really hurt a person. Maybe you should just observe them with a zoom lens from now on! haha…
Here’s a link if you’re interested… http://video.pbs.org/video/2168110328/