Less than 2 weeks ago, I introduced you to the feathered members of my extended family—Daffy, Josephina, Kookoo, Rose —and shared their origin story. If you missed it, you can find it, here:
Meantime, there's been a major development. Daffy - goofy, boy peacock - is not only an adult (they reach full maturity at age 2 and he co-created a couple of eggs, earlier, that perished with disinterest) but, now, he has a legit tail!
Recently, Daffy lost his main squeeze, Kookoo, a tough peahen who passed away after bravely battling a mysterious malady for several months.
Remaining in his harem was Rose, a delicate, jittery thing that Daffy didn't pay too much attention, except to elbow her out of the way when food was served (he's macho that way, and must eat first) or if the poor thing happens to crowd his highness:
They've made a tentative peace, the way survivors do, but I also notice he's become even more regal in gait and demeanor with the arrival of that full-length Shimmering Tail.
It's rather cold, up here in Maryland, so it was difficult to persuade Daffy to fan out his feathers and share their full glory, when I let him out for a supervised walk. But, when he did, O, boy, it was a dazzling event—like many suns filled the sky!
PS - Meantime, here’s another video of him leaping up to his perch, as I offer him an afternoon snack:
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