Fred the peacock

This is Fred the peacock. He came with the house when we moved in a few years ago, he was part of the fixtures and fittings. He runs free around the house and in the woodyard beside us, although he will often come into the garden for peanuts. I have a small tub of nuts beside the window and I'll throw him a few when he comes around. He came this morning but wouldn't stop as our Jack Russell, Daisy, was watching him through the window and he could see her. Daisy likes to chase Fred, a game he's not so keen to play. Thankfully he has always managed to get away in time. He's about 16 or 17 years old and will live until about 40.



He has got the most beautiful plumage. The tail feathers will start to moult about June and they will all be gone by mid-July, ready for the new set in Autumn. Fred does walk very regally. At night he perches in the top of the tallest trees. He cannot fly very far, although he can fly out of danger, like if Daisy's chasing him, but he wouldn't fly to the top of the tree. Instead he uses the branches like a ladder, and will hop and flutter from one branch to the next.

Look at the tail, it's just gorgeous, and when the feathers moult and you can look at them up close, they are just amazing.

My son drew a picture of Fred (below) which I made up in fabric. It hangs in our living room. I think he got the shapes just right.

Bye for now

Jenny