The Providence Journal Bob Breidenbach

PROVIDENCE — State biologists want to talk turkey.

Wild turkeys appear to be on the decline in Rhode Island, and the state Department of Environmental Management has turned to the public for help. The DEM’s Division of Fish and Wildlife wants people to report sightings of hen turkeys with or without immature birds, known as poults.

Brian Tefft, principal wildlife biologist, said on Monday that 64 broods of turkeys were spotted last year. He said that broke down to 102 adult birds and 299 poults.

He said that 59 percent fewer broods were reported in 2008 than in the two preceding years, which in turn were the worst brood years on record.

The total number of turkeys in the state is estimated at 5,500.

Wild turkeys were abundant prior to the 1700s but were decimated due to habitat destruction and hunting.

To report wild turkey sightings of hens with or without broods, participants should record the date, location, and total number of hens and poults seen.

Send the information to brian.tefft@dem.ri.gov or to Tefft’s attention at 277 Great Neck Rd., West Kingston, RI 02892, or call him at (401)789-0281.