(May 2016) Louisiana: New Orleans neighborhood fights to keep roaming peacock

LOUISIANA -- For 10 years in New Orleans, a peacock named Mr. P has been roaming the Pigeon Town neighborhood.

Most neighbors enjoy his company. Others say he is a nuisance -- especially during mating season, which goes on for three months in the spring.

Neighbors told WDSU that Mr. P cries out at all hours of the day. There may be no noise ordinance violation from that, but what really has the neighbors' feathers ruffled is the damage wrought by the bird.

When Mr. P sees his reflection on vehicles parked in the area, he pecks the vehicle, thinking he is battling a romantic rival. Neighbors also told WDSU that Mr. P is causing some damage to gardens.

Animal control was called to capture the peacock, but failed. Mr. P eluded the six agents by flying onto a nearby roof.

But the majority of the neighbors love Mr. P.

Lisa Palumbo is a neighbor looking to keep Mr. P safe. Palumbo said she, along with several neighbors, contacted New Orleans City Council member Susan Guidry when animal control agents were spotted attempting to nab the bird.

After getting the call from Palumbo, Guidry got to work to keep the animal safe by pushing an ordinance that would list the neighborhood as a sanctuary for the bird. Guidry also moved to have animal control step aside.

“For the last 10 years, West Carrolton has had a few very unique residents - peacocks—in addition to an established group of parrots. While they are beloved by most of the community, residents and community groups recently approached my office with concerns that the peacocks might be removed," Guidry said in a statement.

"As New Orleans is a signatory to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Urban Bird Treaty program, we already have 14 established bird sanctuaries in New Orleans—in neighborhoods such as Lakeview, Lakeshore, Lake Vista, Bayou St. John, the Bywater, Algiers, and in many parts of New Orleans East, including Joe Brown Park.

"In these bird sanctuaries, it is unlawful to molest, kill, trap, or hunt birds or fowl. This ordinance creates a 15th bird sanctuary in West Carrollton to provide those protections to the Carrollton peacocks and parrots, thereby preserving the unique charm and character of one of our city’s many vibrant neighborhoods.”

With Guidry's help, neighbors are working to create a fund to repair damages caused by the this hopelessly romantic bird.

A Facebook group has been created to save Mr. P.

(WDSU - May 6, 2016)