Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)
Benjamin Franklin writes a letter to his daughter Sarah Beche in 1784, criticizing the appearance and choice of the Bald Eagle as the national bird of the United States, presumably preferring the Wild Turkey, “…I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For in truth the Turkey is in comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America… He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a Red Coat on.”
Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)
Good Morning Gloucester 