The roaming turkey that keeps being spotted in Fishkill is fine, according to many locals in the Inside Scoop Fishkill, NY Facebook Group. General consensus is that the turkey is female, is named Tammy, and while some are concerned for her that she may be frightened, she seems to be just very comfortable in Fishkill watching the comings and goings of traffic. There is bird-watching for humans, and there seems to be human-watching for turkeys.

Maria Lammens made a Facebook post for the turkey, starting off with: “Poor thing…wish I could relocate it to the land by my home where the wild turkeys roam. Fishkill Turkey still hanging out on Rt 9 and Rapalje by Burger King.”

After receiving feedback, Maria expanded: “I have worked with wildlife rehabilitation over the years and understand the complex issues with capturing and relocating a wild animals. I have no intention to attempt a capture and release of this bird. My post was meant to indicate a level of sympathy for the bird that is living his life in an unnatural habitat.”

Most have cautioned not to try to trap it or disturb it. Some have suggested that Tammy is a traffic concern.

However, the behavior of the people hoking at Tammy or stopping and staring may be what is herding Tammy into unsafe directions. Brian Voght observed: “It’s not stuck. It can fly if it wants to. It keeps coming back. Been around fishkill for months; just comfortable there. But I agree, it’ll get hit eventually.”

Residents have apparently tried to universally organize for the turkey. Diane Burkart said: “They won’t do anything about her unless she is injured. The people who live in the Roundhill development where she came from looked into it. We have called wildlife people and they won’t help.”

Nicole Altuchoff, a vet tech, instructed: “Please leave Tammy alone. She flies and is very smart. She does not need saving or capture. Capturing a turkey incorrectly can cause them to die and go into shock. She is fed and healthy. There are flocks all over Dutchess County and in the area she will find her way. She is checked on daily. I am a vet tech and have been in contact with many rescues and wild life rehabilitation places that work with injured turkeys specifically. It is more dangerous to try and trap her/relocate her. Many things can go wrong.

Said: Maryann Tamilio-Coviello “He’s famous - walking the streets for days. K104 was just talking about his adventures.”

Melissa Baumann insisted: “I’m going to say it again. There is nothing wrong with this turkey. They walk, they fly, they move around a lot. It is just about mating season for turkeys. They are more active. He is not lonely, lost, or scared. He is hanging around hens and getting food. Just happens to be by a busy street. It doesn't need rescue, there is absolutely nothing wrong. It is doing what turkeys do. Leave it alone and do some research on animals. They best thing you can do for wild animals is leave them alone.”

Mike Mazzuca contributed with his thoughts on the turkey’s gender: “This is a Tammy not a Tommy. 5% to 10% of the females have beards, its a rarity. The give away that she is a female is the feathers on her head. Males don’t have them. It wasn't easy at first, until I used my professional camera to get up close and detailed shots. You can check out the post I did that shows her head. As for not trapping her. Even though I personally rather see her in a more ideal environment for her, wildlife and humans are mixing more and more due to expansion and the lessening of wildlife habitat. Plus it is safer for her concerning predators. She can fly like all turkeys, and if needed, be will roost in a tree at night. So lets all slowdown when we see her. Maybe some "Turkey at Play"signs around Fishkill. Lol.”

Patricia Marmo whispered: “Be patient.”

For more turkey photos, see the Inside Scoop Fishkill, NY group.