Like the swallows returning to Capistrano, the turkeys have returned to Turkey Hollow!

Now the hills around here are filled with wild turkeys but none have chosen to take up residence in our 'back four'! Clearly the deer have shared with "Franklin" and "Eleanor" what a good gig they have found in the woods just off our clearing. The noble birds have made a home in a large pile of fallen trees that were toppled from this winter's Northeasters. To add a comfy touch, the tree trunks are covered with hanging vines.

So the two turkeys have clearly realized that they have found not only a good Democratic household but also one with plenty of surprise treats. We can almost hear them gobble-gobble around the clock. At times the sounds seem strangely erotic and we turn our heads away from where they have made home. Even turkeys have a right to privacy in such moments. The wood and vines not only give them comfort but also protects their nest from predators.

Eleanor and Franklin have reason to be worried. Because as mud season ends and temperatures hit near 80 degrees, we are getting a census of who will be our summer guests from the animal kingdom. Foremost among them is a stunning hawk - clearly a Republican -- who swoops down to snatch eggs and small prey with no concern for anyone except himself. "Bush" Hawk's appearance is so powerful you can't imagine he wouldn't use his power to help others. But no, alas, his only intention is to make life miserable for our fellow residents like Eleanor and Franklin. For sure my little cats are not going outside while Bush rules the skies. 

The deer who no longer have to frantically search for food as in the harsh snow-covered months, are in heaven eating everything in sight. The pregnant does who are starting to look for places deep in the forest where they safely can give birth to this year's crop of "generation d" boomers. Soon we will have little fawns barely able to walk challenging others for turf. On the other hand, our yearlings and proud Bucks are enjoying the absence of the does and seem to be having a bachelor party in our clearing. Often they appear drunk and we wake up in the morning to find them laying about with hang overs!

Since the deer pig-out on anything that has color and a vine, only the daffodils which have started to bloom give hints of color in this busy crossroads of wild life. For some reason the small yellow bloom has developed its own defenses from the scavenging deer! Matching the bold yellow house, they defiantly insist that this isn't all a drab sepia-colored operation.

Finally, this week, high in the sky was the boss of it all - the American Bald Eagle. Making a great comeback across the nation, it flew higher than the rest, glided across its kingdom observing everything in sight and comfortable in the knowledge that he alone has been crowned our national emblem.

Now all we have left is for Benny the Bear to make his appearance and see how he held up during his winter hibernation. Once again it is time to make sure those cans are in the garage and no fruit is left on the screen porch. After all, who in this stunningly beautiful weather wants to end up on the back porch banging pans to remind Benny of his boundaries?

All Photographs taken in Turkey Hollow by Steven Guy