RE: Why did the birds clam up
Thats just what they do most times. They spend the first bit of the morning gobbling to bring in some hens and then clam up. Some of the gobblers may gobble but most will come in silent from this point. At least they do in my area. This is the reason most turkey hunters are back at the house by 10 or 11. Be patient and stick it out because midday hunting can be very good especially once the hens start sticking to the nests more and there are fewer receptive hens left. Find those feeding areas and strut zones. Good luck.