11/19/2025
Howdy! Welcome back to another Wildlife Wednesday! 🤠
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and while you're prepping your feast, let's take a moment to learn about one of the wild relatives of the Thanksgiving dinner table — the Rio Grande Wild Turkey! These fascinating birds are found right here at Guadalupe River State Park, and they’re full of fun surprises!
Fun Facts about Rio Grande Wild Turkeys:
1️⃣ Masters of the "Strut": During mating season, male Rio Grande Wild Turkeys put on quite the show! They puff up their colorful feathers, fan out their tails, and strut around with their heads held high. It's like a dance-off, but for birds!
2️⃣ Speedy and Sneaky: These turkeys can run up to 20 miles per hour on the ground and fly up to 55 miles per hour in short bursts when they need to escape danger. Talk about speed and agility!
3️⃣They’re Big Fans of Acorns: While you might see them pecking at the ground, Rio Grande Wild Turkeys love foraging for acorns, seeds, and berries. They’re nature’s foragers and a vital part of our ecosystem!
So, this Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks for the Rio Grande Wild Turkey and all the wild creatures that make Guadalupe River State Park a special place. 🦃
What’s your favorite wildlife to spot here in the park? Let us know in the comments!
📸Chase A. Fountain, TPWD
