IZ4mAo 1 
 
(Meleagris gallopavo merriami) 
Scene from vicinity of Palmer Lake, Colorado 
As the largest of the native game birds, the wild turkeys have been 
hunted and driven back, until today but a scattered remnant exists where

a century ago were countless numbers of these beautiful birds. At one 
time, they inhabited most of the mountainous regions of Colorado, extend-

ing north through Midd1e Park on the west and as far. at least, as the 
creek named-for them in Jefferson County, on the east. 
Today, they are almost extinct in the state; a few birds still finding 
refuge in the wilder and more inaccessible parts of the. southern section,

but the majority of the reports and rumors of their presence are entirely

unauthoritative. 
The more open ridges have their preference, principally because from 
here they are able to make long, gliding flights into the canons, so escaping

their enemies, but here they also find an abundance of their favorite food

in the form of acorns and pinion nuts. 
Like all the gallinaceous birds, the turkey lays a large set of eggs, 
eight to fourteen, while the nest, placed on the ground, generally sheltered

somewhat, is loosely constructed of leaves, grass and weeds. 
The group here shown is from the divide east of Palmer Lake, where 
the birds were once found, and represents a typical feeding scene. 
 
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MERRIAM'S TURKEY