Monday, March 22, 2010

Three Jennys

The three wild sisters perched on the fence could be a girl group like the Supremes, but they resemble the three witches from the first act of the Scottish play far more than they do popular girl singers, either past or present.

They sit looking out across the field, mistresses of all they survey and afraid of nothing, resting easy in their power and privilege and ability to handle whatever comes their way. I've never tangled with a wild turkey, but they are ferociously protective mothers and formidable opponents, a match for almost any predator that comes their way.

I absolutely adore their expressions, fierce and canny and knowing.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I had a wild turkey chase me once after I had unknowingly come to close to her babies. Fierce is an understatement, yet those watching the event unfold thought it was a rather funny sight. I may have felt the same had I not been on the receiving end of her outrage!

These three sisters are a reminder of the remarkable strength and fierce Mother/Wild Woman/ Crone side of a woman's nature. What a gift to have them perch in your yard.

Delphyne said...

Very wonderful picture! We had so many of these in California - they were a delight to watch. This is the bird Franklin wanted to be the national symbol of the US. I understand why.

Anonymous said...

I love this photo and the text accompanying it. It's just marvellous and gives me a wonderful feeling of strength and freedom. I don't normally associate turkeys with freedom--I'd think more of the fast flying birds of prey. But something in those turkeys' calm surveillance speaks to me of dignity and freedom of thought.

judy said...

Double, double, toil and trouble
Fiery birds make cauldrons bubble!

Riley said...

Wonderful picture and respectful writing. Lovely. I don't know that would have been drawn to their expressions had you not mentioned them. We spend our lives surrounded by that kind of knowing and rarely pay it its due. Thanks for being mindful.

Tabor said...

Such a great photo. It would be a stunning painting hanging in a lodge somewhere. They looks so healthy!

Sky said...

great shot, cate! i am so eager to see one in person. they are around here from time to time, but we have never been lucky enough to see them.

bev said...

What a great photo, Cate! And I agree with your description of them too. They look so very watchful.