Urban Wildlife Adventure: From Regal Finn to a Family of Peahens - Sept 19, 2025

Sometimes the best adventures happen when you have zero expectations. After work, I grabbed Finnegan’s leash and headed out for a much-needed walk. My only plan was to stretch his legs—and if I spotted a few birds along the way, even better.

Finnegan did amazing on the trail. At one point he climbed to the top of a decayed tree (don’t worry—it was close enough for me to help him down if needed). He perched there looking so regal and calm, even as people and dogs walked by. I couldn’t stop smiling—this was his moment, king of the forest!

The day was hot, which meant most animals stayed hidden. Still, I managed to catch sight of a spotted towhee and some red-winged blackbirds perched way up high. Bird-wise it was quiet, but I was so proud of Finn’s trail walk that I didn’t mind.

After our walk, we headed for dinner by the seaside. That’s when my evening completely changed. Out on the water, I spotted my very first common loon! It was diving gracefully for food, staying underwater for long stretches at a time. Just as I was marveling at this, a curious seal swam by to check if there was anything worth snacking on.

Did You Know?

Common loons are expert divers. They can hold their breath for up to five minutes and dive as deep as 200 feet in search of fish. Their solid bones make them less buoyant than most birds, which helps them stay underwater longer. It’s always mesmerizing to watch a loon disappear beneath the surface and then suddenly reappear far across the water—it feels like magic!

I was thrilled—not only did I get photos of the loon, but I also witnessed that magical moment of wild interaction between two very different species sharing the same space.

On the way back into the city, I decided to try one last thing. For weeks I had been searching for peahen babies, and I thought—why not swing by the spot one more time?

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. As soon as I drove into the area, I saw them. I pulled over, hopped out of the car, and immediately a peahen with her tiny babies ran straight toward me. I gently corralled them onto the sidewalk to keep them safe from traffic.

Then—magic. Out of nowhere, two more sets of peahens with chicks appeared. One had tiny babies only a few weeks old, another had “toddlers” a few months old, and the last had full-blown teenagers. It was like the universe said, “You wanted one set? Here—have three!”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, each family began climbing into the trees by a nearby construction site.

And the most unbelievable part? Every single one of them used the crosswalk to get across the road. Yes—three peahens and their babies, carefully stepping on the painted lines like seasoned city residents.

One mother tucked her little ones under her wings, while the toddlers and teenagers found their spots in the branches. It was bedtime for the entire peafowl clan.

Did You Know?

Peahens usually nest and raise chicks in late spring through summer, but in urban areas the timing can stretch later into the season. The reason? Extended food availability and warmer microclimates in cities. Gardens, parks, and even construction sites provide extra insects, seeds, and shelter, allowing some peahens to raise multiple broods or have chicks later than their wild counterparts. That’s why in early fall you can sometimes spot chicks of different ages—tiny fluffballs, adventurous “toddlers,” and awkward teenagers—all at the same time.

If I had arrived five minutes later, I would have missed the whole thing. Everything—the seal and loon, the decision to swing by for peahens, even the heat slowing down our earlier walk—lined up to place me in that exact moment.

I went out with no expectations, just to give Finnegan a good walk. Instead, I came home electrified, grateful, and buzzing from the reminder of why I love urban nature exploring so much. You never know what you’re going to get—but when the universe delivers, it’s pure magic.