“I could relate …”
Published on Aug 6, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Last month, Eric Phillips was hanging out on his cousin’s porch in Minnesota, enjoying some fresh air and conversation, when something in the distance piqued his curiosity.
“I heard a noise,” Phillips told The Dodo. “I didn’t realize what it was right away, but I saw something.”
A ways off, beyond some trees lining a parking area, Phillips noticed movement near a parked car. Walking closer to investigate, he found a wild turkey pecking relentlessly at the side of the vehicle.
That’s when he realized the turkey had mistaken her own reflection for a rival — and the parked car was paying the price.
For the sake of both the misguided turkey and the vehicle’s owner, Phillips decided to intervene:
The turkey likely believed her reflection to be another bird encroaching on her territory. From Phillips’ perspective, though, it almost looked like the turkey was having an existential crisis.
“I could relate,” Phillips said. “I haven’t been treating myself the best, but I pulled out of it.”
Phillips kindly helped the turkey pull out of hers, too.
After some gentle encouragement, Phillips managed to break the turkey’s focus on the car, and she soon waddled away.
Knowing the car’s owner might otherwise be baffled by the scratches, Phillips left a note explaining exactly what had happened.
“I will show them the video once I figure out which neighbor it is,” Phillips said.
Fortunately, thanks to Phillips, the turkey now seems to be much more at peace.
“She lives in the grassy area by my house. I saw her this morning,” Phillips said. “She’s chilled … for now. “