I had no idea there were so many peacocks in the area.
But that was not the big news. Two different owners for Mr. Peacock, or should I say two peacock owners who were missing a male peacock, knocked on the Russell’s door.
One lived near the Russells, apologized for the messes that Mr. Peacock had left and offered to power wash their deck.
The other lived farther away, but in the direction that some folks had seen a wandering peacock cutting across lawns. She was looking for a feathered father who had abandoned some peahens who were sitting on nests.
The Russells were faced with a dilemma worthy of King Solomon.
“We didn’t know what to do,” said Norma Russell. As she explained, both people had missing peacocks. And frankly, there was no way to just ask Mr. P. where he belonged.
A stray dog can be claimed by its showing recognition when the owner’s car pulls into the driveway. But a peacock? From what I understand, peacocks tend to treat owners and strangers with equal distain. After all, he is a peacock and king of his roost. The people who bring him food are merely servants, right? They are allowed to view his beautiful fan of tail feathers as a reward. But that is all.
The problem was solved the next day just after dawn when the Russells were awakened at dawn by loud squawking and peacock calls. The lady with the peahens brought one of the abandoned mothers to talk to Mr. P.
Norma Russell said it was such a touching, and loud, reunion. Mr. Peacock immediately left his roost and to be at his sweetheart’s side. He was very attentive and quite apologetic for his wanderings. He was so distracted by her beauty that he didn’t notice that person sneaking up to grab him. At last report, Mr. Peacock was welcomed back home by his harem.
Meanwhile, the other neighbor is still looking for his peacock, who may have settled cozily under someone’s deck or in a gardener’s shed in the area. If you see another loose peacock in that area, you can email me at pamcottrel@gmail.com.
Meanwhile folks, get out there and enjoy this wonderful spring. The daffodils are blooming along the woods at Tecumseh Circle in George Rogers Clark Park. Check out the trails in New Carlisle at Smith Park, the bike trails along state routes 68 and 235, or the paths into the wetlands from Medway for flowering trees about to burst into color.
It is time to rejoice. We made it through the winter.
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