Residents of south Merritt Island are dealing with a growing peafowl population that has become a source of frustration. The birds, which are legally considered invasive, have taken up residence in neighborhoods like Hacienda Del Sol and The Woods at Crooked Mile. Their loud calls at night and disruptive behavior have led to complaints from homeowners. "Some people find them to be very lovely and beautiful," said resident Adrienne Vargas. But she described the birds as "disturbing," noting they dig up yards and screech throughout the wee hours.
The peafowl have become a common sight in the area. Males with their shimmering plumage can be seen on street corners, while hatchlings follow their mothers through quiet streets. One of the peacocks, known as "Peg Leg Pete" for his single leg, has become a local landmark. Each night, the birds fly up onto rooftops and into trees to roost and call out to one another.
The situation has become difficult to manage because no single government agency claims responsibility for controlling the population. Homeowners are legally allowed to remove the birds, but a community-wide solution has been hard to coordinate. Some residents have tried using motion-activated sprinklers to deter the birds, while others are feeding them, which only makes the problem worse.
The peafowl are descendants of pets brought to the area decades ago. They have proliferated with abandon, pecking in yards and roosting in rooftops. The birds have become a persistent issue for homeowners who are trying to find a way to deal with the nuisance without government assistance.
Other peafowl flocks are present in areas like Cape Canaveral, but the situation on Merritt Island remains particularly problematic. Residents continue to push for action from local officials, hoping to find a solution that will address the growing peafowl population and its impact on the community.