Blogging is a peculiar activity. It initiates an internal monologue when one is alone in the field and keeps up the chatter all day, even when nothing is happening. But something must happen otherwise, God forbid, there will be nothing to blog about.

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So when, during a quiet morning on Key Biscayne, an Indian Peafowl rustled his train in preparation for his display, the inner voices cheered and pointed with relief.

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A non-countable exotic he may be, but the fan display of a peacock is one of the birding world’s most splendid sights. In their native India, the peacocks begin to display as the weather starts to heat up ahead of the monsoon (round about now actually).

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Holding a fan open and upright to impress the peahens in temperatures exceeding 40C is a feat of some endurance and often occurs in the shade to avoid overheating. My encounters with peacocks showing off have been in the shade and usually from behind where the view is still impressive, but not so colourful.

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Crandon Park, on the island just off the coast of Miami, Fla., is home to a few exotic species. A zoo once stood at the south end and possibly contributed a few peafowl to the growing population in the USA. It is easy to understand how the astonishing display of the male caught the attention of exotic collectors, but their neighbours would have been less pleased with the Penelope Pittstop cries for help (You decide, Indian Peafowl or imperilled heiress).

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In the moderate warmth of a Miami morning, he was able to sustain his fan under light cloud for longer than my camera battery could last. To make the post more complete, I should include a picture of the peahen ignoring him on the path, but that would have meant turning away from his magnificent exhibition.

 

Written by Redgannet
Redgannet worked for more than 35 years as a flight attendant for an international airline. He came to birding late in his career but, considering the distractions, doesn't regret the missed opportunities. He was paid to visit six continents and took full advantage of the chance to bird the world. He adopted the nom de blog, Redgannet, to avoid remonstrations from his overbearing employer, but secretly hoped that the air of mystery would make him more attractive to women. Now grounded, he is looking forward to seeing the seasons turn from a fixed point.