(WWJ) The comeback of the wild turkey is one of Michigan’s greatest wildlife conservation stories.
That's according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which could use your help to figure out exactly where these big birds are hanging around in our state.
This summer, the DNR is asking the public to collect and submit turkey observation information, to help benefit turkey management in Michigan. This is Michigan's first year participating in the multistate wild turkey brood survey, which runs through August 31.
The DNR says wild turkeys can now be found in parts of every county in the Lower Peninsula — including in the Metro Detroit area — plus parts of the Upper Peninsula, too.
To be a turkey spotter, all you have to do is see a wild turkey and then fill out an online form with information such as exactly when and where you saw the birds, and how many there were.
Here is the link to submit your wild turkey observations.
It's estimated that there are now around 200,000 wild turkeys in Michigan.
Erin Ford, conservation manager for MI Birds, a public outreach partnership between Audubon Great Lakes and the Michigan DNR, said participating in bird counts is a fun and fruitful way to spend your winter days.
“Tracking the birds you see while birding helps scientists better understand how birds move throughout the winter and how healthy their populations are,” said Ford, in an article for Audubon Great Lakes. “This information can help guide meaningful on-the-ground conservation action to protect birds and the places they need.”
Learn more about how you can get involved in bird conservation on the MI Birds webpage.
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