Meet Goober and the gang, Noonan’s feathered celebs
A small flock of wild turkeys has captured rural residents' attention and brought neighbours together
The Kardashians are old news. Forget about any Real Housewives. Out in Noonan, just a few clicks east of Fredericton, there’s a new group gobbling up attention - in person and online.
Residents of the Lakewood subdivision have been sharing pictures in the Noonan Community group on Facebook - a lot of pictures. Their subjects: a small flock of turkeys, led by a male dubbed “Goober” by many members.
Cecilia Corey, who lives near Noonan Park in the subdivision, said she first encountered the big male when he showed up in her yard in late May last year.
“He spent time here almost every day up to September then his family found him and they all came,” she said.
“Goober has a big personality. He would spend time here with us, and at night when it was time to go to bed, he would go to leave the yard and would flap his wings to say good night.”
Corey said most people in the neighbourhood like seeing the family of turkeys, and they’ve brought residents together.
“Most of the community really like seeing them around,” she said.
“I have met neighbours that I never met before.”
Gobbler gets her going outside
Corey said Goober’s presence has given way to healthier habits in her own daily routine.
“He also made it so I spent more time outside which I don't usually do,” she said.
“I believe they are really good for people's mental health.”
Steve Kay, the administrator of the Noonan group on Facebook, agreed, noting seeing the little flock quickly became a shared experience, a topic of conversation they have in common.
“The turkeys definitely have become a sort of ‘mascot.’ People love them, they’re protective of them,” he said.
“It’s been fun to watch on the group how many people have had visits. I think the attention has come from the fact it’s likely many people’s first experiences with wild turkeys.”
To join the Facebook group, prospective members have to answer some questions, Kay said, and one of them was what they thought Noonan was known for.
The two most common answers had been mosquitoes or kind neighbours.
“Goober and his gang have added a third popular answer,” he said.
The turkeys are a frequent subject of discussion in the group. When members aren’t sharing photographic evidence of their sightings of “Goober and the gang,” they’re asking if anyone has spotted them, desperate to know if the wild turkey family was OK.
Leo Kolijn was pleased to report the birds weathered the recent weekend deep freeze unscathed.
“After the cold weekend, they were by two times Monday,” he commented in the group, posting a photo of the flock by his snow-covered property.
The birds clearly aren’t skittish around humans, as many residents snap their pics in their yards, even perched on their decks or vehicles.
“If I see them out back, I would go outside and call them, and they would all come running to me,” Corey said.
“Other people have had them do the same with them.”
Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Priyana Morehouse said she sees the turkeys on Burpee Street in the subdivision, and they come by every few days. And the reason for their repeated return is clear.
“I love seeing them, and they come and knock on our doors with their beaks until we give them something to eat,” she said.
Clearly, these birds know on which side their bread - proverbial or otherwise - is buttered.
Corey said she hasn’t seen much of Goober and family since the snow fell late last year, and she’s hoping he’ll be back around her place once things warm up.
“I am looking forward to spring!” she said, clearly a big fan of her new feathered friends. “He’s a beautiful bird … We just love them.”
While Goober and his fellow gobblers are undoubtedly appreciative of the easy food sources they’ve found in the neighbourhood, residents of the Lakewood subdivision are giving thanks they’re hanging out.
Oops, poor choice of words. Let’s say… residents love the flair they add to life in Noonan.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.
Excellent story. We do love our little family.
Love it … they come up to our house as well … on back deck.. banging on the window in patio door… they talk to you too… ! Love watching them …