The Turkey Lady of East Lake

I am MaryAnn Strauch, or the Turkey Lady in the East Lake area of Thornton, CO. As you see in the news clip I am the self-appointed guardian of the wild turkeys. This flock of birds have been crossing an increasingly busy street to roost in the nearby trees for the night.

On October 4th I thought I was going to see one of the turkeys run over and killed by a motorist that showed no signs of slowing so that the bird could cross the street. One car finally did stop and the car behind it then had to stop. They said I ‘tapped’ the back windshield of the second car but it was nothing that caused any damage to the car.

The driver jumped out, got up in my face and yelled at me. After she vented she left but called 911. She kept herself, myself, my friend that helps me and 5 police officers tied up for over 2 hours! She insisted that I get a ticket even though it meant she would get a ticket also.

I think an onlooker called a local news station and the news segment is a result. As fate would have it, a lawyer and friend now does a legal segment at that news station. He called me and expressed a desire to represent me in court.

Many people in my community saw the news segments and have rallied to support me and the turkeys. They have generously offered to pay or contribute towards my fine. They also wish to appear with me in court.

I am setting up this Go Fund Me page so that people may donate towards my legal fees which my friend is offering at a drastically reduced rate.

My heartfelt thanks to all the turkey-lovers and supporters of both myself and my friend who comes out every evening to help. It means the world to me to have your support and I appreciate everyone who waves and thanks me while I am on ‘turkey duty’ every evening and to all the others who have shown their support on social media.