from high in a northern red oak , flapping signaled a wild turkey springing from a limb , accomplishing air speed , pulling up the legs , straightening its neck , plunging amid the frozen naked branches , gliding , gliding , gliding , tipping its shoulders , using an airfoil up or down to dodge limbs , accelerating , clearing the lowest boughs , locking its spread wings , slanting and playing into the crosswind , gracefully plummeting down the ridge into the ravine , dipping its body by backpedaling , using his flaps , and putting his feet to the ground to land safely and slowly beside a three-foot stream -- possibly because he felt secure here .