I have been visiting Filoli Garden in Woodside Ca for many many years. On my last visit just as I was leaving the garden shop I noticed Percy, Filoli's resident peacock, about to begin his performance. As people gathered I realized I would like to share this wonderful event. My efforts to do so are what you see in the video above best watched in full screen.
Once again I was enthralled by the exquisite beauty and color of his feathers and fascinated by what is called ‘train rattling’ which is, I have learned part of courtship ritual AKA showing off. I was equally intrigued by the structure and design of his underpinnings which you see as he turns. And then as the wind picked up I was mesmerized/ riveted/ by the masterful way he was able to guide and controlled his plumage.
When I began to write this post I hadn’t read the article in the Menlo news below and didn’t know Percy was no longer with us. He has an interesting history. Its heartening that he was appreciated, loved and allowed to live freely.
The News ‘InMenlo’ February 10th, 2020
Percy, Filoli’s resident peacock, has passed away. “While it was not uncommon for Percy to wander during the winter season, his absence this year is long enough for us to be certain that he is lost,” said a statement issued by Filoli. “The staff spent these last several months searching but have now decided it is time to close this chapter for Filoli. Percy came to Filoli on his own terms many years ago and loved freely so it is only fitting that he has now left us on his own terms. We know that he lived a long and happy life here in the gardens at Filoli.”
Over 10 years ago, Percy left the watershed property north of Filoli in search of a new mate. While Percy never found a lifelong peahen partner, he did make many new friends and inspired quite a following and came to enjoy the attention from Filoli’s visitors, volunteers and staff. Truth told, he could also be a bit of a pest, but maybe that, too, was part of his charm.
“He was an iconic part of Filoli during his time here and posed for thousands of pictures every year,” the statement continued. “While Percy had a big fan club, he was his own man, not our pet here at Filoli. We didn’t feed him or cage him, he lived off the land for many, many years, but he was always willingly to put on a show for audiences large and small.”
The Live Wild and Free Fund has been set up to honor Percy and the beauty he brought to Filoli.
Thank You and Happy Trials Percy!
I hope you enjoyed Percy’s performance. I’ve been enchanted by Filoli over the years and have taken a plethora of photos. Please enjoy my favorites here.
