Illumination in the Flatwoods

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Wildlife artist Hutto embarked on an unusual study of wild turkeys: he obtained two dozen eggs, incubated them and imprinted himself on the hatchlings, with unexpected results. It was, he says, exhausting, enlightening and one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. His account of raising the brood is an engaging story of an unlikely relationship between species. For six months Hutto spent nearly every waking moment with the young turkeys (four males and 10 females reached maturity), accompanying them on walks in the flatlands of northern Florida, roosting with them at night (until they went to sleep) and observing their behavior. By late summer, he felt so much a part of the flock that smooth green grasshoppers began to look appetizing. In October, Hutto's flock met native wild turkeys, and they dispersed. In an epilogue, he tells how they fared. This tale should have wide appeal to hunters and nature- and animal-lovers. Who would have dreamed turkeys could be so interesting? Illustrations not seen by PW. (Nov.)

Library Journal

Naturalist/wildlife artist Hutto describes a summer spent raising a flock of imprinted wild turkeys in the flatwoods of north Florida, trying to understand the biology of this wary and little-known bird. The book consists of excerpts from Hutto's journal and accounts of the natural history of the area. There are some interesting insights into turkey behavior, but, unfortunately, they are separated by far too many repetitive accounts of forays into the old field or the creek near the cabin. Much of the material is highly anthropomorphic, detracting from its value as scientific documentation. Distilled, it would make either several good journal articles or a good popular book, but it is not recommended in its present form for either wildlife biologists or general readers.-Bruce Neville, Univ. of Texas at El Paso Lib.