Before you hit the comment button to point out that alcohol is verbotten in state parks, not that wild turkey.
Umstead naturalist Betty Anderson shot this tom (with her camera) scurrying for cover on June 15, 2004.
On our ride at Umstead State Park early this morning — and not that early, ranger; the gates were wide open — Alan and I were zig-zagging down five-curve hill when to the left of the road, and just barely off the road, we saw three wild turkeys. I know they're in the park, but even after 17 years of being in the park at least once a week, I I'd never seen them. Surprising, too, considering how nonplussed they were by our presence, almost as indifferent as the deer population.
Speaking of wild critters in Umstead, tune into the N&O's Arts & Living section Sunday for a report on the wildlife that's been popping up there — and throughout the Triangle — on a more regular basis.
