The weather here is warming up rapidly and the five peacocks are madly competing for the attention of the three peahens. (I definitely need to replenish my stock of hens but don’t tell Ming!)
Every Spring the guys do their display thing, flirting with everything from the old dairy shed, to the car, to the windows of the enclosed back veranda. They also flirt with the peahens of course whose indifference is hilarious.
For most of the year, King Ken and Prince are the best of friends but during Spring they become bitter rivals:
King Ken: Don’t come any closer, kid.
Prince: Sorry, Uncle.
King Ken: And stop copying my moves!
Prince: I don’t mean to, Uncle, it’s just sort of automatic.
Prince: I bow to your majesty. You have to believe me, Uncle!
Then, all of a sudden, they flew up and at each other with claws and wings arrowed. I wasn’t quick enough, with my phone camera, to capture this brief struggle; also I had to break it up! King Ken skedaddled with the other Kings so I comforted Prince with a bit of bread.
………………………………………………………
Sometimes I wonder why I write these little stories, put fake words into the mouths of these beautiful, wordless birds via captions. I think it’s something to do with the way I first began to cope with Anthony’s Parkinson’s – the birds we accumulated – guinnea fowl, peafowl, various poultry…. In the beginning it was such a joy.
Then, as Anthony’s health deteriorated, and Ming needed spinal surgery, and I had to resign from my job at the university, the birds became symbolically, and realistically, a source of incredible comfort.
Wings.
jmgoyder 
It’s good to read that at your lowest you were able to find comfort somewhere.
Glad they’re mates the rest of the time. Can understand exactly how they provide such comfort.
well I like these little photo thingies- make me giggle
Personally I love your little stories Jules, I do the same with Jack and Lulu and now with Stanley he is going to be included in the adventures as well. Keep us in the loop of the very entertaining dramas in your little fowl kingdom. 😀 Hugs xxoo
There’s nothing odd about your giving them voices Jules…you said it yourself, it gives you comfort. So go for it. And for all we know…this is exactly what they are thinking!!! xoxo
This is interesting how you put words into these “wordless” creatures. For me, you’ve brought images to go with my recent metaphorical song lyrics. Recently, I’ve had a few minor challenges and these lyrics help me find meaning in that. Perhaps they apply for you also: “Things that made me cry, gave me wings to fly.”
Julie, one day – all of your trauma will be behind you. You will soar despite the tears. I feel it. You are one of those beautiful birds.
I never really thought about things while living them when Al was sick, but I do believe in doing what ever it takes to remain sane. Love your pics!
Don’t ever stop writing these dialogues Julie – I love them! ❤
Diana xo
They are beautiful birds and I am glad you are able to focus on them once again.Look at what Beatrix Potter did with her birds and animalls-not silly at all.
I remember it was a post about your birds that was the first one of yours that I read. It was very peaceful and I felt that you had created a wonderful world and yet at the same time coping with Anthony’s gradual deterioration. I marvel at your continual strength.
Keep doing them because I enjoy them…..he said selfishly.
The birds are so nice they are so pretty
Jules such a long road we have been on. Seeing your peacocks always makes this crow lady smile. Love ya. Robin
Your cartoon insights on the pictures are fun and entertaining! I hope you keep them coming!
you have your birds and we have our cats:) my sister and i have laughed about our assigning voices to our cats. they bring me a lot of comfort in the worst of times and we rescued them from the shelter and probably are a bit over the top at times when it comes to caring for them.
you are amazing and inspiring in your quest to normalize a situation that is anything but normal. thank you for sharing the pics, i love seeing all the birds and i love the captions you assign to them.
sending you big warm hugs and love
Just beautiful. 🙂
Love that you call him Ken now!!