The missing bird first surprised homeowners Geoff and Delwyn Ballantyne when they discovered him observing his reflection inside their bathroom, prompting wildlife rescuers to catch and release him into nearby bushland. He subsequently began visiting the acreage of Suzie Tafolo, who identified the animal as belonging to local tattoo artist Elliot Ross through his distinct plumage. Ross noted this unprecedented trek may be driven by a search for a female bird. To aid retrieval, Tafolo set up a full-length mirror inside her back shed, where the bird has already displayed interest in his reflected image.
Key points
Tattoo artist Elliot Ross confirmed the bird's identity using the animal's distinct pluma…: Tattoo artist Elliot Ross confirmed the bird's identity using the animal's distinct plumage after he wandered away from home.
Community members and the owner suspect the animal may have journeyed unusually far in se…: Community members and the owner suspect the animal may have journeyed unusually far in search of a female companion.
Urban ecologist Darryl Jones indicated the bird might actually be suffering from loneline…: Urban ecologist Darryl Jones indicated the bird might actually be suffering from loneliness rather than just hunting for rivals.
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A peacock that seemingly fell hopelessly in love with himself in a bathroom mirror after breaking into a Brisbane house remains on the run after being evicted.
Geoff and Delwyn Ballantyne left their Alexandra Hills home last week for an evening coffee and returned to find a fully grown peacock gazing adoringly at himself in their bathroom mirror.
“We … assume the bird was in the front yard and, as we opened the garage door, he must have walked in,” Geoff Ballantyne said.
“Because when we got in, there he was, admiring himself.”
Delwyn Ballantyne was the first to spot the bird and responded with alarm.
“There was a lot of screaming from my wife. She thought there must have been an intruder but then she says it’s a peacock,” Geoff Ballantyne said.
“I did believe her, but I tried not to, because it wasn’t very believable.”
The couple attempted to break the visitor’s steadfast gazing into the mirror by offering it water and crackers. When that failed, wildlife rescuers were called in.
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