Home of the Practically Perfect Pink Phlox and other native plants for pollinators

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Adventures of Priscilla F Peahen, Queen Of The Neighborhood

Priscilla F Peahen was roosting in a neighbor's tree. I saw her last night just before the sun disappeared. When I ran out to take her photo ... Mr I hollered a warning: "Don't have eye contact. She'll take that as an invite to move back in! We don't want her flying over the fence and taking up residence on my car!" Have I mentioned how very much he loves his car?

The eye contact comment was too funny, considering that peafowl are the only wild birds that will look you in the eye! Just don't stare at them, it makes them nervous. She was there very early this morning, then gone as soon as the sun began to warm the day.

Longtime readers will remember that Priscilla came to stay at Clay and Limestone just before Thanksgiving and then returned a few weeks later. (here for the full story)
She must really like this part of the neighborhood. What giant roosting bird wouldn't! There are plenty of trees and there is still food everywhere. She could live off of the bird food from bird feeders all winter. Earthworms are still active and the ground rarely freezes. There are tons of acorns and the streams will be running until summer.

She may very well be hiding in the wayback backyard. More then likely she's wandering the neighborhood in search of food and water! Like all peafowl, she needs a large property to explore and grub about in. She seems an adventurous girl and wouldn't be happy living in my small backyard. A farm would be perfect.

Please don't worry about Priscilla. She's a survivor. I will make sure there is water and food all winter. Do you think my neighbor will mind that I'm leaving it in her yard!

Gail

40 comments:

  1. Oh Gail, the profile shot is pure art! Prissy's topknot is so attractive, if only she could find a gentleman of her own species, she would certainly win his love immediately. She reminds me of a Flamenco dancer. And she's got spunk too. I believe she has made your neighborhood, if not your personal space her home. Since she needs more room, fences probably don't hold her back. She thinks of them more as rooms in her house. Very clever putting the food at your neighbor's! Enjoy your guest and have a wonderful holiday!
    Frances

    ReplyDelete
  2. Gail, Priscillia looks to be quite the attractive peahen. Of course, we in the north would love to have such a visitor, but I can understand your hubby's comment-too funny!

    Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year! Hugs!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hahaha I love that first picture. You need sound effects...Adventures of Priscilla Peahen, Queen of the Neighborhood..da da daaaaaaaaaa. see? It adds drama. :-)
    Hope she find a nice place to roost through this cold winter.

    ReplyDelete
  4. On top of a warm car hood would be a wonderful place for her to roost. tee hee.... It is fun having such unusual birds cruising through the neighborhood but I wouldn't want one to stay. They are such loud screamers. Maybe the ones I have heard had mates to get them all riled up. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh good, I was worried about her. Priscilla is a survivor!

    ReplyDelete
  6. LOL, of course your neighbor won't mind--provided she doesn't see you doing it! :) Peahens make shelter/nests in trees?! And the ground rarely freezes in TN?! Wow, I'm learning all kinds of things today! Happy holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Love the silhouette shot! What your neighbor doesn't know won't hurt her. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hum, I think Priscilla knows a good spot when she finds one :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Monica, Hi! The ground occasionally freezes, but right now it's about 45 degrees! Later this week when it drops to 21...I will make sure that Priscilla has straw to keep her tootsies warm and food/drink to get her through the cold times!

    gail

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yay!!
    I was worried about Miss Priscilla, thinking she might end up somewhere that is just not appropriate for such a lovely peahen. Now, what are we going to do about finding her a gentleman companion? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Do you suppose Priscilla is partial to ABBA? I do love that first shot of her. I hope she AND you stay safe and warm when the colder weather hits!

    ReplyDelete
  12. In you neighbor's yard, hahahaa. Good thinking! That is a very nice shot of her silhouette. I can see why she loves you so much and I didn't know about looking a bird in the eye. Now I'm gonna be freaked out by that, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  13. In you neighbor's yard, hahahaa. Good thinking! That is a very nice shot of her silhouette. I can see why she loves you so much and I didn't know about looking a bird in the eye. Now I'm gonna be freaked out by that, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm enjoying the continuing saga of Priscilla. You've got a real soft spot for her. I hope she makes it through the winter.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I am glad Miss Priscilla is still around. Your first photo is amazing and it is perfect for the first day of Christmas, when instead of a Partridge in a Pear tree you have a Peafowl in a Neighbors tree! Delightful! Merry Merry Christmas Gail! Warm Regards, Carol

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi Gail....Priscilla is really delightful. I would so love to have her here. Not sure that Nella would though....that could be a problem.

    I would just like to wish you and yours a wonderful Christmas. I do hope that 2010 will be a healthy and happy year for you ......

    ReplyDelete
  17. I get a pheasant in the winter waundering around my garden dont know where it goes rest of the year

    ReplyDelete
  18. Please keep us updated; I still think it's just fascinating that you've got a peahan hanging out in your yard! You're showing your Christmas spirit by caring for her!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Too funny Gail! Looks like Ms. Priscilla is planning to hunker down in your neighborhood for the winter.

    I'm sure with her lovely self'a photos on your blog it won't be long before a computer-literate peacock comes sauntering into the neighborhood looking for her. There are so many internet romances these days, it's probably only a matter of time.

    ReplyDelete
  20. It is good to have Ms Priscilla around. I am also hoping that she will find her Prince Charming soon. Do have a good rest and build up your strength for the Jan appointment. Now, I would like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great shot of Prissy.

    I am kind of glad to hear that she is still around, when you mentioned not seeing her lately......

    Betcha neighbor loves you.

    Jen

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Gail~~ Of course she's going to come back and take up permanent residence with all the yummies at her disposal. In your neighbor's yard? Pure genius. You're being friendly. The hours of entertainment they'll have thanks to you and your thoughtfulness. I hope your Christmas is pain-free, enjoyable and memorable.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I just love that first picture of her! I'm sure your neighbors will be happy to have you feed her in their yard :)
    Have a happy Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  25. You always have fun posts.
    Best wishes for the holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Perhaps you should have a nice print (of the first photo) framed. It's very artistic, good for a story/explanation, and a fun memory.

    Take care, keep us posted as to your January surgery. xox

    ReplyDelete
  27. LOL In your neighbors yard. That is hilarious. She knows when she has a good thing going.
    You ole softy you. Hope she fairs well during the cold.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello Gail,

    Your last sentence had me laughing....I can't wait for the next installment in the Priscilla Peahen adventures. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I think leaving the food in your neighbor's yard is the perfect solution:) But if you've already given her a name, it sounds to me as if Priscilla might be aiming to join the family at Clay and Limestone. She certainly is an attractive lady!

    Wishing all of you--including Priscilla--a very Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a happy and fun post, Gail. I hope Prissy moves on to more acceptable lodgings somewhere else, even though she is quite spiffy looking.
    Happy Christmas to all of you (and Priscilla too) from me up here in NS.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Ha, ha sweet invasion
    Dear Gail
    Wish you Happy Eco-Xmas:)
    Greetings from Portugal

    ReplyDelete
  32. Merry Christmas Gail! I have enjoyed your post this past year and look forwarding to reading more in 2010. H.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi all! Thank you for stopping by and checking on Ms Priscilla~~Have a Merry Christmas! gail

    ReplyDelete
  34. Pricilla comes to you because she knows your caring heart or perhaps it's divine intervention. I always wonder why the lost or injured animals come to my garden. We care and I know that she..Pricilla will be well fed over the winter months with you caring.
    Gail Wishing you a Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year. love and light aNNa

    ReplyDelete
  35. She looks very Queenly in the first picture - like she's wearing a little crown. I hope she survives the winter ok.
    Have a good Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh Gail, you've reminded me of when we were newlyweds and renting a room in a cottage, whilst we found our first permanent home after moving down south. The window of that room was frequently covered by the enormous tail of a peacock who'd taken up residence in the garden!

    Have a wonderful Christmas and a delicious New Year :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Hmm, I don't know, I have known the acquaintance of more one mallard that would look a person in the eye.. lol I grew up next to a lake and one of the mallards would hop on the trash cans to look in the window so that we would know she was there.

    It's funny how well Priscilla camofluages in her TN habitat!

    Have a good Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I think she knows you'll take care of her Gail. That's why she doesn't roam too far away. I'm glad she's still around. I think she adds another element of interest to your garden. Your husband is too funny. Wish I could say the ground never freezes here! Lucky gardener you! Merry Christmas my friend.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Gail, from a frozen PNW we wish you a blessed Christmas! Diana

    ReplyDelete
  40. How fun to have such an interesting creature making its home nearby.

    I hope you and Mr. I have a very Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete

"Insects are the little things that run the world." Dr. E O Wilson