On a recent hike in the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas, I stumbled upon a clutch of wild turkey eggs. I hadn’t noticed the hen quietly sitting on her nest until she flushed, startled by my presence. It’s easy to assume you’d spot something as large as a turkey, but their natural camouflage is impressive, especially when they’re protecting their nest.
Wild turkeys are ground-nesting birds. The hen typically selects a secluded, well-camouflaged spot among leaves, brush, or tall grass, often using the natural ground cover as shelter. Once she’s chosen her site, the hen scrapes out a small depression in the ground and lines it with leaves and soft vegetation. She lays one egg daily until her clutch is complete, often numbering between 10-14 eggs.
After laying all her eggs, the hen stays on the nest almost constantly, leaving only briefly to feed. She relies on her camouflage to protect herself and the eggs from predators. This dedication is critical, as turkey eggs and poults are vulnerable to many threats, including raccoons, foxes, and even snakes.
When I inadvertently caused the hen to flush, I worried about the cold morning temperature. Hens can usually return to their nests once the disturbance passes, resuming incubation to keep the eggs warm and viable. I quickly moved away from the area, hoping she would feel safe enough to return. Turkeys can be resilient, but repeated disturbances can sometimes lead a hen to abandon her nest, a situation I strive to avoid.
This was one of two unexpected nest discoveries for me this year. The second was an Eastern Whip-poor-will, which displayed fascinating defensive behavior to protect its nest. You can read more about that encounter here.
Observing these nests reminds me of the balance between our curiosity and the wildlife’s need for space, especially during critical times like nesting season. As photographers and hikers, staying alert and respectful of these spaces helps us minimize our impact.