Peacock Invasion Worries Homeowners

Colorful birds taking over couple's home of 30 years

Something special is drawing some colorful neighbors to William and Barbara Doneghy's backyard, but they're not sure what.

Almost a month ago, the Willingboro, N.J. couple looked out their kitchen window to find a peacock perched on their fence.

They were delighted by the sight, but as the days wore on, one bird turned into four and now four have turned into seven. And the colorful birds brought more than just majestic feathers with them.

"The droppings, eating of the grass…we were really concerned they could really damage the property," William Doneghy said.

The pheasants appear like clockwork at 7 a.m. everyday, stay for a few hours and then leave, he says. But recently they've appeared to get bigger and more brazen.

"We came home Saturday and one of them was on my wife's car and would not move," William Doneghy said. "I blew the horn, clapped my hands and hollered and it was like as if that was his car."

Peacocks, which are ground feeders, have been known to be testy, say experts from National Geographic.

The Doneghys contacted the state's division of fish and wildlife, who referred them to their township for help. Officials are working on a solution to keep the birds away.

Until then, the couple will just hope the fowls find a new place to perch on their own.

Contact Us