The Birds Part Of It Anyway...
While at the Minnesota Zoo not long ago (very early spring), there were wild turkeys out at the bird observation deck along the Minnesota Trail. The two males were fully puffed out and working hard to attract the ladies, of which there were 7 or 8 about.
As you can see, one of the males must have had an acceptable display.
What happened next was the strange part. That's right, birds mating wasn't odd. What was odd is that on the observation deck I turned out to be the only real adult. Despite the fact that there were at least six other people there, most older than myself, I was the only one who would address what is going on in this picture.
My son, 4 years old, asked why the boy bird was walking on the girl bird... and so the birds section of "the birds and bees" talk rolled out. Turns out all the other kids and grandkids also wanted to know so they came over and asked, much to the midwestern mortification of their attendants. I stayed calm and matter of fact. All the kids seemed satisfied with my explanation. A couple of them thought it was good enough to repeat.
It made a good photo op too.
Taken by Cory Funk.
The Birds Part Of It Anyway...
While at the Minnesota Zoo not long ago (very early spring), there were wild turkeys out at the bird observation deck along the Minnesota Trail. The two males were fully puffed out and working hard to attract the ladies, of which there were 7 or 8 about.
As you can see, one of the males must have had an acceptable display.
What happened next was the strange part. That's right, birds mating wasn't odd. What was odd is that on the observation deck I turned out to be the only real adult. Despite the fact that there were at least six other people there, most older than myself, I was the only one who would address what is going on in this picture.
My son, 4 years old, asked why the boy bird was walking on the girl bird... and so the birds section of "the birds and bees" talk rolled out. Turns out all the other kids and grandkids also wanted to know so they came over and asked, much to the midwestern mortification of their attendants. I stayed calm and matter of fact. All the kids seemed satisfied with my explanation. A couple of them thought it was good enough to repeat.
It made a good photo op too.
Taken by Cory Funk.