Brush turkeys turn up in increased numbers on the northern beaches

BRUSH turkey numbers are increasing as males launch mating season by making large mounds of rotting plant matter, according to local councils.

A Brush turkey wanders around properties in Elanora Heights are of Sydney looking for food, as a number of protected spieces of native birds that usually live in rain forests, have been sighted in urban areas causing lots of problems during the summer months when they breed and build large mounds causing damage to gardens.

BRUSH turkey numbers are increasing as males launch mating season by making large mounds of rotting plant matter, according to local councils.

Manly, Warringah and Pittwater councils have all reported more sightings of the native birds around the peninsula.

Cumberland Bird Observers Club patron and Avalon Beach resident John Dengate said local turkey ­populations had been ­increasing over the past ­decade.

He believed the turkey population growth rate had slowed recently, but overall numbers continued to grow.

A Brush turkey wanders around properties in Elanora Heights.

Brush turkey chick at Elanora Heights.

“There are certainly a lot more turkeys than in the past 10 years,” he said.

“There was a big increase about five to 10 years ago. I think it’s still increasing, but it’s plateauing. Other people may have different perspectives.”

A Manly Council spokesman said fox baiting operations had been a factor in the local government area’s increased turkey sightings.

“The numbers are increasing and we’re seeing more of them,” the spokesman said.

“Foxes are not around so the turkeys can survive.”

Mr Dengate agreed fox baiting, as well as better management of pets, had helped protect the turkeys and native animals generally from predators.

The turkeys were active this time of year as males start to build large mounds of rotting plant matter to attract a mate, with female turkeys visiting to lay their eggs. The birds have raised the ire of some ­because of damage to ­gardens.