Often when making a trip down the old barn lane to get hay we encounter wildlife – a bunny, a deer – we pause in the springtime to observe the first Robins in the hayfield, the blooms on the Mountain Laurel. But a few days ago we had a real treat.

We had to suddenly stop the Ranger because of these baby turkeys (poults) in the lane.

We could hear clucking and shortly found Mama Turkey peeking out of the hayfield on the left side of the lane.

After much more clucking and peeping, Mama Hen ventured out and proceeded to encourage her poults to cross the lane.

… and more…

Finally after several minutes of clucking encouragement, everyone made it safely across the lane, into the tall grass on the right side and then further into the woods.

And we were given a lesson in slowing down… pausing… enjoying Mother Nature’s gifts.