Autumn is in full swing at Suffolk County Community College, and nothing says autumn more than chilly mornings, pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks and a bunch of wild turkeys freely roaming around various spots across the Ammerman campus.
Whether it’s walking to the William J. Lindsey Building for an early morning biology lecture or leaving an evening class and taking the North Road roundabout, these feathered creatures have certainly made their presence known across campus. From Lot 7 to Veterans Plaza, students and staff have spotted the turkeys lounging in the sun, pecking at the grass for some grub or engaging in uncomfortable eye contact with the locals.
Thomas Gordon, the primary professor of environmental studies, reflected on the time he first returned after the pandemic in the fall of 2020. As he was exiting his vehicle, he saw a turkey staring at him from two spaces over in the parking lot. He said it was the first time he’d ever seen a turkey on campus grounds.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” he said. “Five years later, I am still enjoying the turkeys around the William Lindsey Life Science Building.”
The daily appearances of the turkeys have become a source of amusement or, in some cases, a headache waiting to happen, with turkeys sometimes obstructing campus traffic.
For many Suffolk students, however, they’re viewed as an unexpected, yet oddly charming part of campus life and a way for them to appreciate the wildlife that walks amongst them.
“I think the turkeys add an increased environmental presence on campus,” said Elle Tyree, a 20-year-old criminal justice major from Medford. “They’re super cute, so seeing them makes myself and others very happy, which reduces stress even just for a moment.”
Compass staff have reached out to the turkeys for a comment on the “takeover,” but they declined to comment on the matter.
Despite the controversy surrounding their presence, the turkeys seem content with their status on campus. Whether you view them as a new mascot or a challenge, one thing’s certain: these bold, feathered birds are here to stay — and we should welcome them with open arms.
“Enjoy all the wonderful stuff we have here at SCCC,” Gordon said, sharing some advice to the turkeys on how to survive campus life. “Remember to look both ways before crossing the roads.”
Allison Luna is a former editor-in-chief of Compass News and a Ammerman college aide.
