The streets near the South Beach Psychiatric Center are surrounded by Wild Turkeys.  Luke Vega and his dad spotted them in the bushes.  The 4-year-old says he was happy they were hiding, especially on Thanksgiving.

 

"They know that we want to eat them," Vega said.

 

"I think they are nice. I think they poop a lot so you better watch where you step," said the boy's Father Victor.

 

Despite attracting attention, many in the area say the turkeys have caused problems in the recent years, making a mess on front lawns and getting in the way of traffic.

 

"If you live here and its happening to you everyday it bothers you," said one resident.

 

After elected officials and residents spoke out about the issue 2 years ago, the state captured and relocated more than 100 birds to an animal sanctuary in the Catskills. Still, the remaining turkeys reproduced and some locals feed them, like this woman.

 

"I look forward to it. They see you coming. They come running over to you," she said.

 

The State says it will relocate more turkeys next month. Officials say they have obtained a permit to capture up to 100 and that's their goal. Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis says she has received far less complaints about the birds this year.

 

"People love the turkeys they don't want to see harm being done to the turkeys but they can't reside here because it is the city of New York and we need to have them move to a place that is more appropriate," said Malliotakis.

 

For the Vegas, it's those close encounters with the birds they'll miss.

 

"The kids get a kick out of it but if its better for them to be upstate so be it," Victor Vega said.