They strut like they own the cul-de-sac, they scratch like landscapers on overtime, and they redecorate lawns with the subtlety of a bulldozer. Yes, the wild turkeys of Rockville Regional Park have made Eastridge Hills their seasonal buffet. And homeowners? We’re left with lawns that look like they’ve been through a frat party scavenger hunt.
A (Not-So) Noble History:
Fun fact: turkeys are not California natives. The true locals—the California wild turkey (Meleagris californica)—checked out about 10,000 years ago. The gobblers we see now? Imported models. Starting as early as 1877, California played turkey Uber, importing birds from Texas and beyond. By the mid-20th century, wildlife managers released thousands of Rio Grande turkeys across more than 200 sites in California. Think of it as a giant, state-funded poultry Airbnb experiment.
Why?
Two main reasons:
1. To fatten up hunting opportunities (and state hunting license revenue).
2. Because nothing says “wild west” like releasing a bird that digs up your begonias while gobbling at sunrise.
Gobbling Up Your Wallet, Too:
Want to hunt these feathered freeloaders? You’ll need a valid California hunting license plus an Upland Game Bird Validation. That’s more than $85 a year. Add in gear, travel, and patience, and suddenly your Thanksgiving bird costs more than a catered wedding dinner. No wonder few hunters bother, leaving us with front yards that look like turkey excavation sites.
Why It Matters:
Because these birds weren’t native, their population management has always been a balancing act. Introduce too few and they vanish. Introduce too many and…well, welcome to Eastridge Hills, where the HOA can’t fine them, and there are no natural predators to handle the job. Coyotes, bobcats, and mountain lions? Apparently, they didn’t get the memo about “free-range turkey.”
Consequences:
So here we are—residents stuck on the dirty end of the stick (or rake). We water, we fertilize, we mulch…and the turkeys gleefully undo it all while hunting for worms.
Call to Action:
Neighbors, it’s time we face facts: the turkeys are not leaving. So, what’s our game plan? Motion-sensor sprinklers? Turkey yoga classes to calm them down? Or maybe just install little “No Vacancy” signs in our lawns? Whatever we choose, one thing’s clear—our HOA rules may stop overnight parking, but when it comes to wild turkeys, they’ve got permanent guest passes.