Thanksgiving May Be Past, But Westchase Is Still Talking Turkey

WESTCHASE, FL — A turkey with a penchant for strolling down streets and blocking intersections throughout the Westchase community is proving to be both a hassle and a source of amusement for residents.

The turkey's been spotted crossing Linebaugh Avenue, Forest Lakes Boulevard, Countryway Road and Race Track Road, often pausing in the middle of major intersections to cause traffic tie-ups and annoy drivers.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it's not uncommon for turkeys, like the chickens that inhabit Ybor City, to hang around in urban areas in the hopes of finding a discarded french fry, though they're not averse to gobbling down a Chicken McNugget if they're lucky enough to find one.

The FWC advises motorists to give a honk and the big bird will most likely scramble out of the way. Eventually, the turkey will move on to a more suitable habitat, especially if residents refrain from feeding her.

This turkey appears to be a lone ranger. It's a mystery where it came from — possibly an escapee from a Thanksgiving feast?

Despite the turkey jams, Westchase residents are approaching the situation with a sense of humor.

They've even started a Facebook page called the Westchase Turkey Spotter in which residents are encouraged to take photos of the turkey and post them on the page.

They even have a contest underway to name the turkey.

"My kids say Sonic," Sara Watford said.

Sophie-Maria Richards' suggestion, "Waddle It Be," got three thumbs up.

Mike Stinson has been calling it Frank "cause he Frankly don’t care about blocking the roads!"

But Ben Alonso favors something with a rhyme like "Quirky the Turkey."