An Ottawa resident who found himself being pursued by two persistent turkeys has shared his side of the story. Michael Bourgon, a lab technician, recounted the incident that took place near Prince of Wales Drive and Heron Road. Initially greeting the turkeys casually, Bourgon soon found himself being trailed by the birds, prompting him to attempt to evade them by kicking snow in their direction.
In a video that circulated on social media, Bourgon can be seen trying to distance himself from the turkeys as they follow him across a crosswalk. Eventually, a kind stranger allowed Bourgon refuge in their vehicle as the turkeys pecked at the car door while they waited at a red light. The birds obstructed traffic in two lanes as Bourgon and his rescuer drove away.
Reflecting on the encounter, Bourgon expressed gratitude towards the stranger who offered help, emphasizing his desire to escape the unwanted attention of the turkeys. The incident was captured by passerby Jody Paul, who later shared the video online, leading to its viral spread across various platforms.
According to Cornell University’s ornithology lab, wild turkeys, known for their omnivorous diet, typically inhabit wooded areas but may venture into urban settings in search of food. Bourgon, armed with newfound knowledge from online research, successfully confronted the turkeys the following day, demonstrating a newfound understanding that led to a peaceful resolution with the birds.
Bourgon’s experience with the turkeys was featured on Ottawa Morning, where he elaborated on the ordeal of being pursued by the wild birds and the unexpected turn of events that made him a viral sensation.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ottawa-man-turkey-chase-video-story-9.7103190)
