PEEC Program Explores What Turkeys Eat for Thanksgiving

Wild turkey. Courtesy photo

PEEC News:

Most people think of a turkey as a golden brown plucked bird that comes out of an oven. But since we have native wild turkeys in New Mexico, why not spend a few minutes thinking about them having dinner instead of being dinner?

Leslie Dendy, a University of New Mexico – Los Alamos professor for the last 40 years, will discuss the surprisingly broad diet of wild turkeys, why they have big appetites, and the unique way in which they grind up their food. The program will take place at the Pajarito Environmental Education Center (PEEC) from 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov.16. The cost is $15 ($12 for PEEC members) per individual or $30 ($24 for PEEC members) per family.

The hands-on presentation is aimed at adults and children 10 years old and up. Participants will look at samples or pictures of many turkey foods, bird gizzards, and gastroliths (stomach stones). Small items can be examined with stereomicroscopes.

Advance registration is required, and the program is limited to 25 participants.

Dendy holds a Ph.D. in biology and has taught at UNM-LA since 1973. Dendy has written two books for kids (Tracks, Scats, and Signs and Guinea Pig Scientists) and dozens of magazine articles and stories for children’s magazines.

For more information and to register for this program, visit www.pajaritoeec.org, email Programs@PajaritoEEC.org or call 505.662.0460.

 

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