Massachusetts Wants You To Count Turkeys

No, it's not a paying job, but it'll apparently help out in some way if you count the number of turkeys you see.

Sportsmen and women, birders, and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist with MassWildlife’s Annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey, which runs through Aug. 31 each year to estimate the number of turkeys in the state.

The brood survey, according to a recent announcement, helps biologists determine productivity and compare long-term reproductive success while providing an estimate of fall harvest potential.

"Turkey nesting success can vary annually in response to weather conditions, predator populations and habitat characteristics," said Mass. Wildlife. "Citizen involvement in this survey is a cost-effective means of gathering useful data, and can be a fun way for people to connect with nature. Record sightings of hens, poults (newly-hatched turkeys), and males (both juvenile and adult)."

For help identifying male and female turkeys and determining if a male is a juvenile (jake) or an adult (tom), click here.

"Be sure to look carefully when counting turkey broods," said the announcement. "The very small poults may be difficult to see in tall grass or brush. MassWildlife is interested in turkey brood observations from all regions of the state, including rural and developed areas."

2 ways to participate:

• Report individual observations online

or

• Download and print a Turkey Brood Survey form to complete over the course of the summer.Mail completed forms to: Brood Survey, MassWildlife Field Headquarters,1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

Photo via MassWildlife