Yesterday morning Our John found Mr Flowers dead under his usual night-time perch in the barn. Dead on the floor.
There was no evidence of a predator. No battle. He appears to have died in his sleep. and fallen off his perch. It is a miserable loss to the farm. To us.
John dug a long deep grave for him down the back – long to accommodate his beautiful long tail. He chose a big rock to place on top.
The end of an era.
I am not going to write a long obituary. You all know him. We have had losses on the farm before and I hate to go backwards in time, I still believe that the ending does not define a life. That a small life is as important as a big fat famous life. That every smile we had watching Mr Flowers tap the window for his breakfast or raise his train and shake his tail feathers at the roosters. Every moment. All filled us with wonder.
He was a joy.
We have to hold on to that joy while we feel the sorrow.
As to his age his tail would have been over five – maybe six foot long if he had had the summer. And he was a mature bird when we brought him back to the farm. So I am thinking he would have been at least 15. A good age for a bird.
Being in New Zealand and not being able to say goodbye is rotten.
I am so sorry.
Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.
Celi
The Kitchen's Garden 
67 responses to “Sadly Mr Flowers has Passed Over”
Yes, bless John for accommodating his beautiful long tail feathers. Such a loss. I am in tears for that crazy, one of a kind peacock. We’re all with you tonight mourning Mr. Flowers.
Really saddened to hear this!! My heart goes out to you!!
Thank you, Liz. It is the way of life – to have death. But still sad.
That’s very sad and I’m so sorry. I’m glad there was no trauma involved and that your memories of him will be of beauty, grace and personality.
he sure had the personality. Thank you!
How sad. He was so beautiful and such a character.
we will miss him.
I am so so sorry!
He has been around such a long time!
So sorry for the loss of Mr. Flowers. We will all miss him. Thank you for sharing him with us.
You are right Patti! We will all miss him.
He was so spectacular, but not in a prancing about and showing off way, he just was himself. I shall miss seeing him inhabiting your Farmy pictures. I’m glad his ending was quiet and dignified rather than falling prey to something.
yes! You are right Kate. He was no show off!
Oh Celi. So sorry you were not there. But I’m glad he seems to have died in his sleep. He had a good life with you. Hugs to you tonight.
I wish I had been there too. I feel bad that John had to deal with it by himself.
I think your John owed you one …
I am so sorry to read this about Mr. Flowers. I suppose it was not easy to stay on perch when roosting with just one good foot in advanced bird years. He was one of the Farmy’s Great Unforgettable Characters & gave us all out here in the ethernet a great pleasure knowing him through your talented words & photography. I’m sorry he will not be there on your return to give you his spectacular Welcome Home.
I think I will not really believe it until I get back. We have a lot of ground to cover before then though!
…tears… he had such grace and dignity…
Oh he did. You are so right.
Sweet dreams, Mr Flowers.
Such sad news. He was such a big presence on the farmy. Beautiful bird. He had a great life though thanks to you.
Sad news… Such a beautiful, gentle bird. We will miss him for sure.
So very sorry!
I’m so sorry to read this! Aw. I know readers have fallen in love with so many precious creatures on your farm over the years. I’m probably in the minority in saying that Mr Flowers was my favorite. This is a very sad loss indeed. 😥 I hope you and John and all creatures great and small are comforted in the days ahead.
He was such a big presence in our Farmy landscape. He lived so long after breaking his foot too. I was so close to finding another mate for him too.