Minimal Shift of Eastern Wild Turkey Nesting Phenology Associated with Projected Climate Change

We examined the potential for future climate change to alter nest initiation dates for wild turkeys.  Based on our projections, we found that mean nest initiation dates would change by less than 1 day across the next several decades.  We also found that the timing of nesting did not track changes in spring green-up.  In other words, hens nested at consistent times each year regardless of whether green-up was earlier or later, which could be problematic when delayed green-up results in resources being less abundant when hens are trying to nest and hatch clutches.