Talk about a Christmas present! We've had about 15 turkeys visit our bird feeders in the past few days, and seven of the 15 came to dine this morning. A photo that I caught during their visit inspired me to recreate it here, and the more I pored over our visitors, the more pathetic they seemed. Combs frostbitten away, feathers iced up and ragged, seeking warmth in their feathers and in the scarce rays of sun that would capriciously reveal itself through the clouds. Seriously, I just want to hug this guy and bring him indoors!

Turkeys, and all overwintering animals, really can be quite marvelous in their own rights, and my human sympathy gets the better of me. They are all ardent examples of survival, no matter the cost.

Photoshop CS4, ~3-4 hours

Art made by Stephanie Dziezyk 12/25/2013. Please do not redistribute, copy, alter, etc., for financial gain without personal permission from me, the artist.