We have five peahens (female version of peacocks) who have been missing for about a week. As it is mating + nesting season here in Western Australia, it is quite likely that they are either hiding together and sitting on their eggs. But it is also likely that they have all been killed by foxes, and their eggs eaten.
All of the males are still around and call out constantly (imagine a wildcat’s yowl multiplied by several hundred decibels), but the only peahens still here are the two white Princesses and Gutsy9.
I have looked in the hayshed, listened for chicky sounds in the paddocks, and driven around the block in this little country town, searching for them – all to no avail – so now I don’t have any choice other than to give up and let nature take its course. I miss seeing those five girls fly into the trees at dusk and I hope they are okay and that we will see a few chicks but I am beginning to wonder now.
This didn’t happen last year because all but the two adults (King and Queenie) were still too young to do the mating thing properly – and I am still not quite sure how G9 survived before I found her!
I hope the peahens come back but maybe they are gone. There is no point trying to control what is, what was, and, sometimes, what will be, so I have stopped trying.
What will be will be.
jmgoyder 
I appreciate you and your wisdom, very much.
And I appreciate yours!
Good lesson – I for one sure can use the reminder (minus the yowling)…
The yowl they make is so LOUD!
I can’t even begin to imagine..I’ve heard it once from one peacock..but in stereo!! Wow..
Hope fully you will find them and maybe take a glimmer of hope that if it had been foxes you would have seen some sign, feathers discarded or heard alarm calls.
Trouble is they are all shedding feathers anyway because it’s summer – argh!
Didn’t think of that as looking out the window here in the UK it is wet and windy once more lol
Do hope they are on a nest and not gone for good. Thank heavens Gutsy9 and the two princesses are still around.
One of the white princesses was also missing until today so there is hope!
We’re crossing our fingers!
If it’s mating season maybe they are hiding out from the boys 😉
Hope so!
very wise words for life …
you and Doris Day are of the same mind
Wise choice.
What will be, will be (but one can’t help but hope for the best scenario).
Oops! Forgot to add…….nice pic too.
I do hope they turn up, or at least a chick or two. Nature can seem very cruel to us, but I think we have to accept it and let it take its course.
and you never know you might be rewarded with a yard full of chicks… I wonder.. in nature.. if the hens are sitting, if they will not be quiet and reserved when anyone is around to avoid being found… ??
Yes, that is a great illustration of life — to accept what is beyond our control and work with what we can control, how we respond. Makes me think of the Serenity Prayer.
Hope they do return — good sign that one did turn up!
Lovely pic.
Hmmm…. also makes me think that perhaps males and their mating rituals cause a lot of stress! 🙂
I am glad that Gutsy is not among the missing.
good attitude julie and it’s really all you can do as you know )
Hoping they turn up and surprise you with all their pretty little babies.
I pray your peahens will return. Keep hope alive.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
Did you check your grumpy neighbour’s place? Didn’t they all go over there last year?
I hope that the peahens are just hunkered down, enjoying their privacy and will surprise you with their reappearance shortly. I have Doris Day’s voice in my head singing Que sera, sera.. whatever will be, will be… That is French, it is quite philosophical and a little dry, if not a tad depressing, but that is how the French are sometimes. I am keeping my fingers crossed, I’m happy that Gutsy 9 knows to stay with her Mama. 🙂
The title of your post… i certainly can relate to … Diane
They are probably tucked up in a love nest nearby. Don’t worry just yet.
Lot of wisdom in your words.
We have that same yowling across the street from our place. One of the other neighbor’s has complained about it but the rest of the neighbors have rallied in defense of nature. And, thankfully, the police (who they complained to…of all things) have been sympathetic in behalf of the feathery kids. Hope your girls turn up but if not then you said it, what will be will be. Hugs
Glad Gutsy still hangs around the house!
Hoping for the best outcome, Julie. xx
Oh I hope they come back Julie. What a loss that would be for you
So sorry that the hens are missing! Do they nest on the ground? I hope they come home soon.
Julie, I like so many of your readers hope they come back. Also like so many of your readers I agree you are making the right decision, for so many reasons, on so many levels. Please take care, Bill
Oh dear. I hope they are okay, all huddled together on their eggs somewhere. I know from when my cats have gone missing that it’s so hard to not keep looking for them, but once you’ve looked everywhere you can think of, there’s just nothing else to do.
I’ve kind of given up but okay with that – nature I guess.
I know its nature … but still you have to worry … I would be out of mind and I hope that they are okay and especially G9 will come back, because she/he has gone through so much and still survived. I hope for the best for you and the birds.
It’s okay, G9 is still here – phew!
Great news, Julie!!! Was it him on your photo ???
Fingers crossed!
Thanks!