Geoffrey Ferres

Nuneham Courtenay Peacocks

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Nuneham Courtenay can boast of a conspicuous naturalised citizen species; The Peafowl. The village was introduced to Indian peacocks and peahens in the 19th century (about a 150 years ago!).

Although, the Harcourt Arboretum hosts around 15 birds, the population has gradually spread around the village with a new batch of peachicks every Summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The increasing population has led to a growing number of birds attempting to cross the extremely busy A4074.

Unfortunately, and not unexpectedly, this has sadly led so some peafowl casualties. 

 
If you come across injured peafowl, or any other injured wildlife, and would like to assist while it is safe to do so, here is a list of facilities that may be able to provide assistance:
 
RSPCA
 
HerpVet Services (exotic animal vet)
07754 125302 | Email: beavs@herpvet.co.uk |HerpVet Services, (inside) Iffley Vets, 35 Iffley Road, Oxford OX4 1EA.
 
Tiggywinkles Willife Hospital
 01844 292292 | https://www.sttiggywinkles.org.uk/contact-us/ |Tiggywinkles, Aston Road, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8AF.
 
Note: Tiggywinkles may refuse to take peafowl casualties as they consider them to be exotic pets instead of wild animals on account of being a non-native species. However, according to the Harcourt Arboretum website, the peacocks are wild animals and have been in Nuneham Courtenay for about 150 years.