A couple of days ago I watched Wild Turkey courtship at Westwood Nature Center in St. Louis Park. Three male turkeys were strutting for one disinterested female. The males are gorgeous this time of year, facial colors looking like they are lit from within. The images of people you see in the background are painted plywood cutouts circling a bird-feeding site. The idea is to acclimate birds to the presence of people so when you and I sit down to watch, the birds will not be alarmed. The turkeys were too intent on mating possibilities to not be in the least concerned about a nearby photographer.

Nature's courtship colors can be extravagant at times.

Three tom turkeys fan their tails and strut for a lone hen, center.