On 6 October 2007, in the course of the National Wild Life Week, Smt. Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister, Government of Delhi, was kind enough to spare a little time to come to the IIC Annexe and release the Peahen and its 3 chicks, which uptil then had been in 'protective custody'.The Peahen initially refused to leave (see pix 5) but eventually smelt freedom and flew off, with the chicks energetically fluttering off behind her! However, the family has not completely disappeared. It keeps returning to its previous home, as picture 1 shows.
Peahen & chicks return to the Annexe

1. Feeling nostalgic for the Annexe, the first home! Photo: Daljeet.

Peahen with newly born chick

2. Mother Peahen with a just-hatched chick. The long grass visible is the 'bajra' seedlings sprouted from the grain given by the IIC staff to Matari, the previous occupant of the ledge. Photo: Ajiti Misra

with the newborn

3. Mayuri with her newborn. Photo: Ajiti Misra.

Feeling its wings!

4. Feeling its wings! A day-old chick. Photo: Ajiti Misra.

Wary of strangers

5. Mayuri, with the chicks safely tucked below her, looking up defiantly at the Chief Minister's staff! Photo: Daljeet.

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