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| The turkeys are back on the Terrace . / Bill Dowd photo |
We're well past Thanksgiving Day, as was shown today by the proud strutting of numerous wild turkeys around the Terrace.
Once our annual consumption of the indigenous birds has passed, they tend to regain their poise and reclaim their feeding grounds.
In general, the New York State Department of Conservation advises residents not to feed wildlife for a variety of reasons (see the details here). However, if you're into feeding wildlife, please research what's good and what's not.
• For starters, do NOT feed wild deer (or moose). It not only is against state law because the pretty creatures tend to carry and spread ticks that cause numerous diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassen encephalitis, etc.), such activity tends to tame them and make them vulnerable to predators and vehicular traffic. We see plenty of evidence of roadkill along Oakwood Avenue and other high-traffic roads near us. Also, we do spend Terrace residents' money for anti-tick treatment every year, so why waste it by attracting deer?
• Hanging wild bird feeders, while attracting pretty creatures, also attracts mice, rats, and chipmunks. They, in turn, tend to carry the seeds into any nearby houses, build nests, and contaminate the homes with feces, urine, and diseases. (Trust us, this has happened on the Terrace, resulting in very expensive remediation work.)
• If you would like to nourish our turkey neighbors, experts say the best turkey feed is some form of wheat, although some like corn. You can purchase bags at any feed store. Turkeys love it, but other wildlife such as deer and vermin do not, so its a win-win.
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