They didn't have a prayer...

[RutnNStrutn]

Must have been tough to watch her epic battle to save her poults, especially since you got to witness the good, and then the bad. Nature is cruel, that's true.

[Ozark870Hunter]

Very cool and thanks for sharing.
Witnessed a young poult bolt out from the wood line being chased in circles by a bobcat. The poult was still flightless. They both made it back into the woods but I doubt it survived. Tough life for a turkey for sure.

[sixbird]

Thanks gents...Yes, it was heartbreaking. All that effort and so little reward.
I saw her today. I know it's her because she lets me get close. Let me within about 15 feet. With a few purrs and quiet voice yelps, she stayed calm, feeding and kicking up bugs for her three remaining poults. She seemed contented. Don't know why I think that but her demeanor seemed contented. Poults were lively...
Hope she can raise what remains...
It's a bird. I shouldn't feel this amount of compassion for a bird! I do though. I admire her and respect her, more than a lot of people I know...