Looking for Peacocks

Seriously…I am. The top of Zelda’s street feeds into some pretty large hills, foothills if you will, and actual peacocks live up there. Somewhere.

I know this because I have seen them with my own eyes – granted it’s been years since my last sighting but Zelda assures me they are still there. In fact, she says they often forage for pine nuts on her front lawn, some early mornings. And, I hear them – every morning – squawking over the fence at one another. No kidding.

In the week I’ve been back, I’ve gone out every morning looking for one of these multicolored beauties – hoping to find one or two sauntering along the roadside, catching some rays and looking for a snack. Rumor has it that they love dogfood and the neighbors put out bowls of the stuff for these turquoise studs – I’m assuming for a photo op themselves.

Donned in sweats and sunglasses with camera and coffee cup in hand, I wander the streets of Zelda’s neighborhood hoping for but a glimpse. I’m sure the local regard me with some curiosity, although they’ve yet to utter a word to me. Perhaps a strange woman carrying a coffee cup, camera and pensive expression isn’t all that unusual around these parts after all. It could be. I’m certainly no competition for the local bagladies and the man who talks to his mirror…

I’m sorry to say the peacocks have still not revealed themselves to me, much less their favorite stomping grounds – which is disappointing since I’ve been looking for them for a week now. But I have found a new little fascination. A place I have dubbed the Alice in Wonderland house, pictured above. Though the pictures just don’t do it justice, you really need to see it in person. The tree easily has 50 birdhouses of every shape and description from it and every morning birds, squirrels and other woodland creatures gather there for a nibble and some twittery conversation. Really like watching a live action Disney creation to tell the truth.

They are a bit wary of strangers and thus far have refused to pose for any photos but I think eventually they will see things my way. Hehe. Maybe too I’ll luck out and find those doggone peacocks – hopefully in full plume, loving the same sunshine and the camera. Wish me luck.