346 
WILD TURKEY. 
secure themselves from the unexpected attacks of wolves, 
foxes, lynxes, and even cougars, by rising quickly from the 
ground, aided by their strong legs, and reaching with ease the 
upper limbs of the tallest tree. Amongst the numerous ene- 
mies of the wild turkey, the most dreaded are the large diur- 
nal and nocturnal birds of prey, and the lynx [Felis rufa)^ 
who sucks their eggs, and is extremely expert at seizing both 
parent and young ; he follows them for some distance, in order 
to ascertain their course, and then, making a rapid circular 
movement, places himself in ambush before them, and waits 
until, by a single bound, he can fasten on his victim. 
The following circumstance is related by Bartram : — Ha- 
ving seen a flock of turkeys at some distance, I approached 
them with great caution ; when, singling out a, large cock, and 
being just on the point of firing, I observed that several young 
cocks were affrighted, and in their language warned the rest 
to be on their guard against an enemy, whom I plainly per- 
ceived was industriously making his subtle approaches towards 
them, behind the fallen trunk of a tree, about twenty yards 
from me. This cunning fellow-hunter was a large fat wild 
cat, or lynx : he saw me, and at times seemed to watch my mo- 
tions, as if determined to seize the delicious prey before me ; 
upon which I changed my object, and levelled my piece at 
him. At that instant my companion, at a distance, also dis- 
charged his piece, the report of which alarmed the flock of 
turkeys, and my fellow hunter, the cat, sprang over the log, 
and trotted off.” 
These birds are guardians of each other, and the first who 
,sees a hawk or eagle gives a note of alarm, on which all within 
hearing lie close to the ground. As they usually roost in flocks, 
perched on the naked branches of trees, they are easily disco- 
vered by the large owls, and, when attacked by these prowl- 
ing birds, often escape by a somewhat remarkable manoeuvre. 
The owl sails around the spot to select his prey ; but, notwith- 
standing the almost inaudible action of his pinions, the quick 
ear of one of the slumberers perceives the danger, which is 
