Wild Turkeys Inhabit Julian
By Amber Ward

Photos by Amber ward

The wild turkey is an American icon. Not only does it grace Thanksgiving tables each November, it once was favored as the national bird, over the bald eagle, by Benjamin Franklin. The turkey has made its place in history, as well as in the backcountry.

The wild turkeys we see crossing Julian streets today, are, in fact, a non-native bird. Although evidence from the La Brea Tar Pits suggests that wild turkeys have been in America for more than 10,000 years, these turkeys were first introduced to southern California in 1877.

Cousins of the domesticated turkey, wild turkeys are leaner and darker than their Thanksgiving counterparts. They can fly, but mainly just to the upper branches of a tree to roost. Domesticated turkeys could too, if they weren't fattened up for the holidays.

Domesticated turkeys, or "pen-fed" turkeys, have been getting fatter since the 1950s, when America requested a larger bird for Thanksgiving dinner. Wild turkeys average about 12 to 15 pounds, while a pen-fed turkey will average between 20 and 25 pounds

Turkey sightings have become so common in the Julian area that many don't even look twice at the chestnut-colored birds. Although many guests to Julian look forward to spotting one, they are fairly elusive.

Contrary to popular belief, wild turkeys are very intelligent. They have excellent hearing and can see in color. Wild turkeys know when you are near and can very well make their presence unknown.

In the 1920s, there were several turkey ranches in the Ramona area, making it the largest turkey production center in the world, and Ramona became known as the "Turkey Capitol of the World." Ramona's turkey claim to fame includes a turkey presented to President Harry Truman in 1947.

Wild turkeys are a good "indicator species." When a turkey population prospers in the wild, it is also reflecting the health of the entire ecosystem. This is why the California Department of Fish and Game felt it neccessary to import and release wild turkeys into the backcountry.

In 1993, a population of 300 turkeys was introduced by state officials and hunting enthusiasts to the Julian area. The birds were released from three ranches in the Julian/ Ramona area, and have thrived over the years. Today, wild turkeys in the backcountry enjoy a population of 20,000 or more.

The birds are a combination of the Rio Grande and Eastern subspecies of wild turkey. Most of the original 300 birds were captured in Kansas, brought here by truck, and released on private property. Their range extends from the desert fringe east of Julian, to Laguna and Palomar Mountain, and all the way to San Diego county's inland valleys.

Wild turkeys are thriving in the backcountry, and from time to time can be a bit of a nuisance. But Julian's turkeys are a hidden treasure amongst the mountainous landscape.