Orinda Woman's Singing Deters Local Turkeys, Raises Environmental and Social Concerns
Turkeys flee as Carol Granger breaks into a Sir-Mix-a-Lot medley.
Orinda, CA - Carol Granger, an Orinda resident known for her eclectic taste in music and self-taught vocal skills, has inadvertently discovered her singing repels the local turkey population. Her husband, Ted Granger, first noticed this when the neighborhood turkeys, typically a seasonal nuisance due to their gobbling and droppings, fled in response to her performances.
While Granger's singing initially irked some neighbors, it has since been valued for its unexpected utility in controlling the turkey disturbances. However, the community's reaction is mixed. One neighbor suggested that random shotgun blasts might be a more bearable solution than enduring Carol's off-pitch renditions of "Muskrat Love."
Vincent Ng, a local resident, even linked the singing to problems in his personal life. “My wife and I have been trying to conceive, but Granger's singing is not helping. "
The use of Carol's singing has extended beyond mere turkey deterrence. Residents often request a performance a day before major outdoor events, such as weddings or graduation parties, to ensure turkey disruptions do not mar these events. This novel use of her "talent" has brought her unexpected bookings, turning a community annoyance into a preventative measure for event planners."I'm already getting bookings for next year's grad parties." stated Granger.
Yet, the use of Carol's singing raises significant questions about its broader ecological impact. Local birder Agnus Lut has observed a noticeable decrease in bird activity within a quarter-mile radius of Carol's home, sparking concerns about the potential disruption to migratory patterns and local wildlife ecosystems. Lut stresses the importance of environmental awareness, urging the community to consider the long-term effects of using Carol's voice as a wildlife management tool.
Moreover, some residents speculate whether her vocal deterrent might also affect other pests like yellowjackets, which are notorious for ruining outdoor gatherings in Orinda. Unfortunately, as one community member pointed out, "Her singing is no match for a full outdoor picnic," indicating that while effective against turkeys, it does little to ward off insect invaders.
As Carol Granger's singing continues to echo through Orinda, it has sparked a complex dialogue about the intersection of human activity, wildlife management, and community tolerance for unconventional solutions to everyday problems. The debate underscores a broader discussion on sustainability and the ethical implications of using such personal talents in public spaces.
Footnote:
1) Benjamin Franklin advocated for the turkey to be our national bird. People like him should stick to discovering electricity.
2) While serving as an ambassador to France, Franklin engaged in what could only be described as a scientific exploration of food. He once used the carcass of a freshly killed turkey to experiment with electricity. He was curious to see the effects of electrical shocks on the muscles of the turkey, hypothesizing that electrical treatment could potentially make the turkey meat tender.