One of the joys of Wanstead, regular readers will need no telling, is that it sits near a wonderful cusp of urban and rural. Every time you turn a corner, there’s another bit of Epping Forest peeping through. Sun shining through green is among many people’s perceptions of what makes Wanstead Wanstead. Outside the thrum of the city, you can at last hear the birds singing as they have for thousands of years.
But at four o’clock in the morning? That’s pushing this whole rural thing to the limit.
Among recent arrivals at a house on Hermon Hill, one Wansteadium reader has informed us, is an ostentation of peacocks who are – as is their wont – vocal, day and night.
This is what they sound like, our correspondent (who wishes to remain anonymous) attests. This recording was made in the early evening on Monday.
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Our reader writes: “These birds make a rather loud squawks at all hours of the day and night. With the recent hot weather it’s made it difficult to leave our windows open at night, as the loud squawking is enough to wake up even the deepest of sleepers.
“The noise has become a hot topic of conversation around this part of Wanstead. Just a couple of years ago a neighbour (possibly the same one) bought some cockerels who would be crowing every morning at dawn. If I’m not mistaken they were stolen.
“I do wonder if owning peacocks in a such a residential area is wise, as it really does affect a lot of people when they are making noises pretty much 24 hours a day.”
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You’ve got peacocks? You don’t know how lucky you are. Stop moaning, and enjoy the flamboyant colours, breathtaking displays and mournful call.
Honestly.
I completely agree with Jimspim – for maybe the first week! After that I’m sure the novelty quickly wears off as the reality of constant noise and sleeping in a sauna takes hold.
I have heard them most days when walking home from the station after work around 6ish. Good to know what it is, however not good for the neighbours!
They would not last 5 minutes in Aldersbrook, given the fox population.
Have you considered getting a panda to beat the sh1t out of them?
Last year, a good friend had the roof of his brand new car scratched by a Peacock that tasted freedom (and decided to spend it in a basement carpark.) The man of this house was approached and denied all existence of such indulgent birds. Shame on him, I ought to have made an exotic headdress for the Brentwood Players forthcoming Lion King on Ice event!
I shall be knocking on his door, revisiting the issue of scratched roofs, not before sounding the war cry…
Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba [Here comes a Peacock, Father]
Sithi uhm ingonyama [Oh yes, it’s a Peacock]
Nants ingonyama bagithi baba [Here comes a Peacock, Father]
Sithi uhhmm ingonyama [Oh yes, it’s a Peacock]
Ingonyama [Peacock]