Daryl (The Peacock) Had A Wild Summer Adventure - Captured

[matcom]

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CHICHESTER, N.H. --Daryl the escaped peacock had a magical summer. He scavenged for bugs and raided gardens, roaming freely, while his mate, Darla the peahen, nested at home. But all good things come to an end.

Daryl was caught last week, four months after he escaped (probably frightened by a coyote) and 10 miles from home.

Over the summer, Daryl dodged cars on Route 4, was sighted numerous times but always eluded capture. In the end, he was caught with patio furniture and cracked corn.

His owner, Wendy Cassetta, is amazed by his safe return.

"It gives me heart palpitations to think of how many of his lives he used up out there," said Cassetta of Chichester.

Daryl's reunion with Darla and Cassetta can be credited to Susan Intinarelli of Pembroke.

Last Friday morning, Intinarelli pulled back the drapes covering the sliding glass door that leads to her deck. There, 3 feet away, was Daryl, in all his blue-green glory. Intinarelli corralled Daryl with patio furniture, then baited him into the bathroom with a trail of cracked corn.

Once Daryl was secure, Intinarelli hit the phones. She called the Audubon Society, the Fish and Game Department and the Pembroke police. No one had heard of a missing peacock. After several failed attempts, she managed to move Daryl into the garage, where he had more room to strut.

The next day, she decided she would find Daryl a new home, but Daryl began to honk loudly.

Even with the windows and doors shut, Intinarelli could hear his cries.

"His honking is what made me try a few more calls in desperation," she said.

She finally reached the Epsom police, who put her in touch with Cassetta.


http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/08/24/daryl_the_peacock_returns_after_adventure?mode=PF