How I Overcame my Fear of Turkeys

As a child, I was always afraid of wild turkeys. Their large size and sharp beaks intimidated me, and I would avoid going near them whenever possible. I had heard stories of how they could attack people and cause serious injuries, and I didn’t want to take any chances. Whenever I saw a wild turkey, I would run away or hide behind something.

However, as I grew older, I realized that my fear of these birds was irrational and decided to overcome it. I learned that wild turkeys are not aggressive by nature, and that they only defend themselves when threatened. I also learned that they are intelligent and social animals that have complex behaviors and communication skills. I became curious about these creatures and wanted to learn more about them.

One day, while out on a nature walk, I saw a group of wild turkeys crossing my path. My initial reaction was to turn around and head back, but instead, I took a deep breath and decided to face my fear head-on. I slowly approached the group of turkeys, trying not to startle them.

To my surprise, the turkeys didn’t seem to mind my presence. They continued to peck at the ground and move about their day, seemingly indifferent to my presence. I took this as a sign that they weren’t interested in harming me, and my fear began to dissipate.

Feeling more confident, I decided to take it a step further and attempt to interact with the turkeys. I started talking to them in a soft and friendly voice, hoping to gain their trust. To my amazement, one of the turkey hens approached me and started to follow me around.

She was a beautiful bird with brown feathers and a red wattle. She had bright eyes and a curious expression. She seemed to enjoy my company, and I found myself laughing and chatting with her like an old friend.

I named her Tina. She would follow me around and would make soft noises when I fed her some seeds. She was the sweetest turkey I had ever met.

From that day on, I began to see wild turkeys in a new light. I realized that they were not the intimidating creatures I had once thought them to be. They were just like any other animal, living their lives and going about their business.

Overcoming my fear of wild turkeys was a joyful experience that taught me a valuable lesson about facing my fears. By confronting my phobias and challenging my assumptions, I was able to discover a new and unexpected friendship. I learned that wild turkeys are not scary, but rather fascinating and friendly animals that deserve respect and appreciation.

I also learned something about myself: that I am capable of overcoming my fears and expanding my horizons. Tina helped me grow as a person and opened my eyes to the wonders of nature. She was more than just a turkey; she was a friend.