We usually have a ton of birds here on the Island. Starting last year there weren't that many and there are way less than half the turkey as normal. Not sure what is going on whether it is predators or disease.
We have the same issue here. The heavy winter kill we had from the winter before is the reason for us with over 100 inches of light fluffy snow. I am expecting to be seeing more jakes this year from last springs hatch. But not sure if the hawks and the like may have taken more young birds or not yet..
I have seen this and at times a group of jakes will chase off the older birds once they start breeding.. One never really knows for sure what will happen during times like these. I also have seen hens doing the very same thing but have no idea why..