I took this bird a few seasons ago here in NY about the third week of the season. Check out the bird's legs. I believe that the "Molting" phase was taking place, even that it was still May!!! From what I've read, I think the Molting stage occurs later, like in June, July, or August? A turkey has to grow a complete set of new feathers before the Fall. Can anyone confirm this? How about in VA, when do they start Molting down your way?

Maytom... our birds molt around the end of summer. Interesting how that one had already started. Cool pic!

Molting - Turkeys will molt (lose feathers) on an annual basis. During their molting period, the birds may lose a large portion of their feathers. This is a natural process, which lasts between four to ten weeks. Throughout a bird’s lifetime, feathers are replaced in four molts, including an annual molt, a continuous and complete replacement of feathers from spring to fall every year. Unlike some waterfowl, molting turkeys never lose the ability to fly.