Peacocks have got to be the most frivolously decadent of Mother Nature’s inventions. They are a fabulous concoction of colours and feathers and I simply adore them. Which is why, when I heard from Out Walking the Dog about the peacocks that roam the grounds of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in northern Manhattan, I couldn’t resist stopping by to say hello.
As I wandered around the back of the church, two glorious peacocks greeted me precociously, strutting their splendour for all to see.
The other birds were positively outshadowed, they just didn’t stand a chance.
A lone squirrel made a brave attempt to compete…
…but eventually admitted defeat.
But just as these two peacocks were revelling in their feathery glory, out popped a snowy white peacock and stole the show. Apparently, he liked the cut of my jib, because he puffed out his feathers and put on the most spectacular display.
He then proceeded to take me on a guided tour of the church grounds, stopping along the way for some fabulous photo opportunities. He is apparently a well-seasoned model.
He clambered up the church steps, waiting patiently until I caught up, peeping over one shoulder as if to say “I’m ready for my closeup”. Who was I to say no?
And then there was just enough time for a quick lap of the shrubbery before turning in for the evening.
White peacocks are supposed to bring eternal happiness, and I shall be eternally happy I met this lovely creature. Thank you, snowy white peacock, for the time we spent together. Until we meet again.
The Eco and the Id 
Amazing! I remember Out Walking the Dog had some photos of these peacocks too… but these are spectacular photos.
Thanks Vlad, he really seemed to take a shine to me. I kind of fell for him too 😉
Ooh, and thanks for reminding me, that’s where I heard about the peacocks – from Melissa on Out Walking the Dog. I’m going to edit my post to give her a nod!
Reblogged this on Found Round & About and commented:
Stunning photos of a white peacock!!!
Thanks for the reblog, Tisha 🙂
You are very welcome!
It’s like looking at wedding photos.
It really is, isn’t it, Julie, I thought so too.
Great shots… a pleasure to view them… Thanks for sharing
Thanks Helen, I just love the snow on lavender shots you took. I also noticed that you, like me, have two blogs – are you as addicted to blogging as I am? My other one’s a travel blog: Where’s my backpack?
absolutely addicted!! I started 1500 Saturdays first then Photomania..they serve 2 quite different purposes, of course..
Wow! What a gorgeous tour guide you had! He is the Brad Pitt of peacocks.
Haha, love it, Susie, he definitely had a touch of Brad Pitt about him, although the mischievous glint in his eye reminded me a little of George Clooney. Not a bad mix, all in all! ;-).
Wow! Fabulous shots, even down to the dear defeatist squirrel. Eternally happy to view
Thanks! The squirrel made a valiant effort.
Amazing!
love love love it! These are so beautiful! Aah! i am truly jealous. Do they have those to get people to go to church? Because i would totally go if that white peacock asked me to.
also, i love the tunnel ones! amazing. amazing.
Knew you’d like him, he’s spectacular, isn’t he? I believe the peacocks were a gift to the church many years ago, so not a cunning ploy to attract parishioners, but I agree with you, I would do pretty much anything that white peacock asked 🙂
I somehow missed this post! Thanks for the nod. I do love those peacocks, and they are very active wooers, despite (or because?) there are no female peacocks around. As always, your photos are stunning.
Thank you for letting me know about them. I couldn’t quite believe my eyes when the white peacock popped out to say hello. He was quite the Romeo! 🙂
Remarkable … and in my old neck of the woods too. He is an albino peacock and a gorgeous one at that. 🙂
I knew you’d like him, Elizabeth. He was such a showoff! 🙂
Boy, he is just exquisite – and the other photos are wonderful, too!
wow, i’m dazzled.