Expert: Roger Lederer - 1/31/2009

Question
We have a very large flock of wild turkeys (have seen up to 29 at one time) living in the woods and sleeping in the trees behind our house.  In the winter, they tend to congregate under the bird feeders we have mounted on wires well out of their reach.  We do not spread seed on the ground, so I am not sure what they are eating.  Their droppings create a horrible mess and they are getting very bold with regard to our personal presence (Fearless).  Is there some effective mechanical deterrent which might convince them to not congregate right behind our house under the feeders.  We do not want to remove the feeders as we have a very large bird population which rely on them in the winter. (Also, what are the turkeys eating - the shells?  There does not seem to be that much seed spilled by the birds when they are feeding.)  I have no objection to the turkeys in the general area, but the large gatherings behind the house are a mess- literally.

Answer
You need to contact your local fish and wildlife official for an answer to this. Not that I can't give you one, but I can't give you permission to do anything. It is illegal to harass wild birds in any way unless you can prove to a fish and wildlife official that they are a hazard or major nuisance. I'm sure they will be glad to help.