One sunny spring day a couple of years ago, Harvey flew into our lives. Apparently, as the story goes, a number of peacocks escaped from a neighboring farm some miles away. Apparently, our area appealed to them and they settled on our block. Harvey came to our house and claimed our backyard as his territory. He already had grown his tail which, when opened, displayed a magnificent array of iridescent colors! Wonderful jewel-like hues would sparkle off his tail in the sunlight. What a sight! Harvey would strut up and down on our porch calling loudly for a mate. (There were peahens that also came with the group) First thing in the early morning and throughout the day he would strut and call. It did get a little nerve wracking after awhile. But Harvey was persistent and attained a mate who in time produced three chicks. We called her Lulu and the chickens! The females are very aggressive and will attack other creatures to protect their offspring. My poor cats were run off the back deck when she arrived.

In the late summer, Harvey would shed his long tail and proceed to walk about with his shorts. (What a collection of peacock tail feathers I have!) A lot more comfortable in the heat of August! Harvey stayed with us through the next winter, spring, summer and fall. We have seen many babies populate our area. Harvey is so used to being with us that he has become part of our family of animals. He comes and goes on his peacock errands, but is always back in time for dinner or breakfast. If he sees our curtains open on our deck, he will peck at the sliding glass door until we come out with his food! It’s amazing. Sometimes, while I sit reading on my lounge, Harvey will fly in and sit down with me on the porch. He is not afraid to sit close to me in companionable silence. (Do not attempt to pet peacocks as they have dangerous claws and sharp beaks!) Harvey has brought magic into our lives; we are blessed to have such a magnificent creature in our midst!

Here is a little peacock lore:

The peacock is considered sacred in many cultures because it destroys poisonous snakes and has great wisdom and vision because of its many tail “eyes.”

The blue-green iridescence of its feathers is associated with royalty. Many kings and queens have had peacocks on their lands. (The Malfoys of Harry Potter fame own pure-white peacocks!)

The peacock resembles his cousin the “Phoenix”, legendary bird of resurrection who perishes in fire and resurrects itself from ashes. (Harry Potter wizard Dumbledore has a phoenix named Fawkes)

In China, the harmony of sound comes from the blending of the peacock’s five main colors creating a kind of celestial music.

In Egypt, it represents the sun god Ra.

And in Christianity, the death and resurrection of Jesus

Beautiful Harvey in our backyard!

Harvey at our back door

Harvey on the roof

Lulu and Harvey on the roof