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As usual I was standing in my balcony looking out for birds when I felt something big go thud. My first thought was of the kites with some big prey. When I looked up I was shocked to see India’s national bird, the blue peacock, land on the terrace of the opposite tower. Shock, as it was unexpected and I was dumb struck with joy!
It was a brief appearance as he was out of view in a few seconds. He came back again at the same spot in the evening. I was cooking and by the time I heard his call and reached the balcony he had gone.
This lone photo and appearance was joy for me as the peacock had made a comeback in our society after nearly a decade and of late I had been hearing his calls once in a while and was hoping it comes around my home!
After a ~month I saw him again. This time it was gratitude as I had wished to see him again and it was granted!
Again a quick visit and he was out of view after the leap. I could still hear his calls though. I was very happy that morning. I made a wish again ……… I hoped he perched or if possible make his home on the semal tree which I can see from the balcony.
Next morning I got up around 5.15 am and went straight to brush my teeth. Barely had I applied the toothpaste on the brush, I heard a loud call and it sounded near. In the first instance I had ignored it as a figment of my imagination. He called again and my birding sense told me he was somewhere around the house. I ran to the smaller balcony….. zilch…….I ran to the one I bird watch from and what I saw left me speechless. There he was perched on the semal tree …… amen to that!
I was on cloud nine counting my blessings! He was there till the surroundings got a little light and then he left.
Evenings I usually watch the setting sun and the sunset sky. A little birding if the light permits a good capture and today was such a day. My friend had returned; quietly standing behind the tree. So was he actually staying the night yet again?
He jumped into the tree and slowly settled himself and his long tail. His occasional calls attracted the society people who flocked around the tree, excited and clicking photos.
…….. and yes he did spend another night at the tree!
The next morning I woke up all excited, looking forward to seeing him yet again. There he was waiting for me and for the light to brighten up the surroundings. Well he did not come back that evening and its 10 days now since I last saw him.
… and he comes again after a month (seems to be a pattern May-Jun-Jul)
Here are some more peacock photos from my some of my trips:
Ranthambore Fort, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan
Pataudi Palace, Vill Pataudi, Haryana
Sariska Tiger Reserve, Alwar, Rajasthan
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Aravali Bio-Diversity Park, New Delhi
Some fun facts:
* The Indian Blue Peacock is India’s National Bird
* The peafowl belong to the pheasant family
* The peacock symbolizes: nobility, holiness, guidance, protection & watchfulness
* Till six months or so the peachicks look alike. Its only after that the male changes color
* The prized tail starts growing only after 3 years
* The males give out many fake loud copulatory call (even when they are not mating) just to attract more females
* Microscopic crystal-like structures on their feathers reflect different wavelengths of light which results in those bright fluorescent colors
* The peahen has special sensors in her crest that allow her to feel the vibrations of a probable mate even if far away. “… the crest is tuned to vibrate at the exact same frequency at which a displaying peacock rattles his tail…..”
* When the peacock fans his tail, he shakes it at a rate of 26 times a second
* The tail makes 60% of peacock’s total length. In fact the peahen chooses its partner by the length, width and coloration of the tail.
* Peacocks are polygamous by nature and usually have a harem
* If the peacock is alone it is very sad and heart-broken
* They are one of the largest flying birds on earth & run pretty fast (16 kmph)
* The peacocks establish breeding territories in a common area called a lek. Peahens walk through the lek and choose a mate.
* The peacock is considered the manifestation of the celestial phoenix on earth. It’s “thousand eyes” on the tail promote fame and good luck as per feng shui and enhance one’s protection and awareness.
Do watch out for my next post on another species from my #BalconyBirding list
Posts shared so far on:
1. Rosy Starlings
2. Alexandrine Parakeet
3. Rose-Ringed Parakeet
4. Plum Headed Parakeet
5. Indian Spot-Billed Duck
6. Yellow-Footed Green Pigeon
7. Black-Winged Stilt
8. Indian Peafowl
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The Soul Is Here For It’s Own Joy!
Monika Ohson | TravelerInMe
This published post is being shared as part of:
#WordlessWednesday hosted by Natasha & Esha
and some more Sue , Betty , Zina
Nice captures.
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Thank you Rupali 🦚🦚
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Most beautiful.
Have a fabulous weekend. ♥
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Thanks Sandee 🦚🦚💙🦚🦚
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Peacock is a majestic bird. It must have been so delightful for you to catch sightings of a peacock from your balcony. That Onida tag line will go so well with your ‘balcony’ – “Neighnours envy, owner’s pride.” 🙂
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You bet Anamika ……. I was like wow! wow! wow!…… thank you! thank you! thank you! 💙🦚💙🦚💙
Hahahahaha I like the tag line ……. all are welcome with bag full of patience. 💚💜💚💜
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Dear, dear Monika,
I love the detailing with which you put together all your blog posts. It reflects your pain-staking efforts and gives the reader a glorious piece of imagery and food for thought
So, thank you so very much. ❤
Your peacock friend is a delight to behold. Those must have been such treasured moments capturing his arrival and presence.
I pray your wish comes true and he homes in the Semal tree soon. After all it's monsoons now.
I have a friend in Delhi who is visited by a peacock she calls Princey for years now. He homes around her place too.
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Thanks Natasha 🦚🦚🦚
Pain staking yes ….. With the household chores keep me occupied it is but taking me a long time to write a post 🥴and I do not like to hurry it.
I am so so happy you loved the post. We share our undying love for nature 💚💙💚💙💚💙💚 right 😍
The peacock’s arrival was sheer joy…… He has disappeared as of now. He might just walk in again surprising all of us 😆😁
Princey is ab apt name for the grandiose of the peacock. It’s the bond they have nurtured that brings them together.
I hope am able to finish the new post today 😬😬
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No worries at all. Take you time. We are live right up till Monday.
Hugs to you my nature loving friend. ❤
Nature is indeed this most incredible of all.
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This is so magical! Peacocks do have that effect on us. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures and fun facts with us, Monika.
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Thank you so much Vinitha 🦚💙🦚💙🦚 They are grand!!
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Oh, my, I got excited with you as you narrated your story! How wonderful to get awesome images and a video! Thanks for the photos and the great info about them, too. So many things I didn’t know!
‘My Corner of the World’ is happy to see you this week! Thanks for linking.
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Thanks Betty 💙🦚💙🦚💙 I am happy that you liked it.
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Wonderful 💙💚
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Thanks Saania 💙🦚💙🦚
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Wow, such awesome pics!
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Thanks a lot 💙🦚💙🦚💙
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Certainly, one of the most beautiful birds around.
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Absolutely…… 🦚🦚💙🦚🦚
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As I said on Facebook, It’s an awesome shot! You captured his moves so well… 👌👌
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Thanks Maniparna 🦚💙🦚 and big thanks to the muse too 💙💙🦚💙💙
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Wowoowowow! Have seen this in person but to photograph it is another matter 🙂
Great post .. Shubham
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Thanks 💙🦚💙🦚💙 Shubham! Absolutely. Both are joyful experiences which the eyes & heart know like none other.
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Fascinating facts and photos of this proud and magnificent bird, Monika!
Happy Thursday!
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Thanks a lot Veronica. 🦚💙🦚💙🦚
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A beautiful bird, it fully deserves to be the emblem of a country as big and beautiful as India.
In Greek mythology, the peacock is the sacred bird of the goddess Hera, the wife of the god Zeus. When the guard Argus, the one with 1000 eyes, was killed, the goddess moved her eyes to the tail of her favorite bird.
Have a great day, dear Monika!
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Thanks Zinaida for such a lovely thought on India 🦚🦚💙💙🦚🦚
I had read about this Greek connection, thanks for sharing it.
Even in our mythology it has connection to Gods & Goddess.
Not to forget his association with Boddhisatva ‘Kwan-yin’.
I am sure there must be many more such interesting trivia from various corners of the world.
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Wow… somehow I never pictured them as hanging around on the rooftops 🙂
Godyears.net
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Thanks Doc! Who knows they might be hanging around near you this very moment 🙂 🦚💙🦚
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Pawsome pictures of that Peacock. We especially love the one when he’s talking to that birdie. Now, could you send him over to my place, we have a tree too 😉 😸Pawkisses for a Happy Wednesday🐾😽💞
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🦚🦚🦚 here I come Binky. I love trees & open spaces. Thank you for liking my photos 💙
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You are blessed to see these creatures around you! Now I understand in another key your comment!
Thank you for sharing these beauties and all the information about them!
Happy WW, Monika! A beautiful July! 🙂
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Thank you Suzana 🦚💙🦚 blessings indeed ✨ Have a fabulous July!
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WOW! You are lucky to witness this beauty from your balcony! Beautiful captures.
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Thanks a lot 🦚💙 I do consider it a fabulous stroke of luck ✨
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Very beautiful birds! Wonderful photos from a nice place indeed! 🙂
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Thanks Cristi, the peacock is actually a beauty and it was great being able to watch him from the comfort of home (balcony) 💙🦚💙🦚💙
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I’ve never seen a peacock in flight. It looks rather improbable with those long tailfeathers!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/06/sink-drink.html
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They are one of the largest flying birds in the world 🦚🦚
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Your post and pictures both are amazing 💙
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Thanks a lot 🦚💜💙🦚
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Nice one Monika. It’s always so satisfying to capture this magnificent bird.
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Thanks Upendra 🙂 Oh yes, one can never get enough of them.
You know I was going through the photos from my Pataudi Palace stay (11 years ago)……. and I was surprised to see photos of koels, sunbird, red naped ibis, grey hornbill etc .and I have no memory of them. I just remember the party of peacocks and jungle babblers. Strange na! I will definitely share them even though they are clicks on a basic phone.
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Wow lucky you to get such a pretty visitor! Great captures!
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Thanks Indrani, coming from you it means a lot. We share our love for birds…… I was lucky and I can’t stop counting my blessings. 💙💜
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Wonderful Pics !!
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Thank you so much Abhishek 🦚🦚
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