It could have been our national bird, but instead became our national feast. That’s right, Benjamin Franklin petitioned for the turkey to be the national bird instead of the bald eagle. I photographed this one a couple of weekends ago when I was in Zion National Park in Utah and thought it would be appropriate today as the last post before the long holiday weekend. This guy was doing his strut, feathers out, trying to impress the five or so females that were in the area. Enjoy, and have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with the next post. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 200-400mm lens (at 400mm) ISO 1600, f/4 at 1/125th of a second
THEY ARE FASTER THAN THEY APPEAR TO BE. THE WILD ONES ARE EVEN BETTER THAN THE STORE BOUGHT. mORE DARK MEAT WHICH IS MY FAVORITE. GREAT PHOTO SEAN. HAVE A PLEASANT THANKSGIVING.
Benjamin Franklin’s Letter to His Daughter (excerpt)
“For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.
“With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country…
“I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the 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.”
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great pic, and graet dinner on thru.
The hens,Ben and I are all swooning! Thanks always.
Happy Thanksgiving, Peter.
Happy Thanksgiving Crane!
great shot! love the detail in the feathers! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Amanda, you too.
Classic Image of the Turkey(He wouldn’t be looking so confident if he knew what was coming up next).
Great definition & I’m surprised at quality of DOF at F4.
Happy Christmas
Thanks Con. Same to you.
THEY ARE FASTER THAN THEY APPEAR TO BE. THE WILD ONES ARE EVEN BETTER THAN THE STORE BOUGHT. mORE DARK MEAT WHICH IS MY FAVORITE. GREAT PHOTO SEAN. HAVE A PLEASANT THANKSGIVING.
Benjamin Franklin’s Letter to His Daughter (excerpt)
“For my own part I wish the Bald Eagle had not been chosen the Representative of our Country. He is a Bird of bad moral Character. He does not get his Living honestly. You may have seen him perched on some dead Tree near the River, where, too lazy to fish for himself, he watches the Labour of the Fishing Hawk; and when that diligent Bird has at length taken a Fish, and is bearing it to his Nest for the Support of his Mate and young Ones, the Bald Eagle pursues him and takes it from him.
“With all this Injustice, he is never in good Case but like those among Men who live by Sharping & Robbing he is generally poor and often very lousy. Besides he is a rank Coward: The little King Bird not bigger than a Sparrow attacks him boldly and drives him out of the District. He is therefore by no means a proper Emblem for the brave and honest Cincinnati of America who have driven all the King birds from our Country…
“I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the 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.”
Thanks Donna. Great little excerpt from Benjamin.
Sean , had a group in my front yard , now I know for sure what they were up to , very impressive strutting for the ladies
Enjoy your Holiday
Aunt Sue
Thanks Susan, it was a good one. Had a nice meal with my new family up in Hawthorne.