We're guessing you’re familiar with this one. Heck, for a good bunch of you it was sitting on your dining room table just a few short days ago, albeit in a slightly different state of dress, most likely.

This month's feature is the heaviest species of the Galliformes (pheasants, quail, grouse, etc.), and while not found outside of North America, it is believed by some that this bird got its English name actually in England. The early domesticated ones arriving there did so via the Levant region, which includes most of the country of Turkey, and so the name stuck. 
 
The one pictured above of course, is the Wild Turkey, one of just two bird species native to North America to be domesticated, along with the Muscovy Duck. And goodness, what personality the turkey has! Always a little grumpy, and somehow both fat and gangly they like woodlands with oaks. When a big male flexes his feathers, flushes his head red, white and blue, and lets loose with a good old gobble-gobble, it is hard not to be impressed. Wander into their territory and you may receive a brisk chase as they escort you off their plot.
 
By now hopefully all are aware that no, Ben Franklin did not advocate for this bird to replace the Bald Eagle as the national bird. That is but a fun myth recently evolved, though the most famous of Philadelphians did compare the two in a private letter to his sister. In that letter he remarked upon the turkey as “a bird of courage”, ready "to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his farm yard with a red coat on.” 
 
They are nimble. Turkeys can run up to 25 mph (40 kph), and are surprisingly strong fliers, considering they do not migrate. They have excellent vision during the day, three times better than the average human (and so approximately just 1x better than the either Valentine brother). But at night turkeys see poorly and so roost high in trees to avoid attack from bobcats, coyotes, and the like. The uber-gaudy Ocellated Turkey of southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala is the only close relative. It is the only other turkey.

But hey, let's talk turkey... 2020 has been a doozy. Like, a historical doozy, and not in a good way. Of all the doozies in the history of doozyhood, 2020 has serious clout. Looking back isn't that much fun right now, and so we'll look ahead. Despite it all, we hope you're finding things to feel thankful for, and if you've read this far, indeed we are thankful for you.
 
We encourage you to take a peek at the Black Friday specials here and remember to join Rockjumper Go Club too. Go Club members get exclusive discounts on upcoming departures set to go.
 
Stay safe everyone, and see some birds.
Best from Team Rockjumper