Peacock sighting a red herring

HOPE that a missing peacock might make it home for Christmas is fading after sightings at Bunyip proved to be a case of mistaken identity.
The Gazette received several calls in the wake of our report on the sudden disappearance of Henry three weeks ago.
Several people said they had seen a peacock in and around Hope Street, Bunyip.
But when Henry’s minder Jodie Cremore went to investigate, the search unfortunately proved fruitless.
“There was a peacock but he belonged to someone who had recently moved to the area. It wasn’t Henry,” Ms Cremore said. “I jumped into the car and headed out there as soon as we heard but it was not our peacock.
“We’re not giving up hope but unfortunately it’s back to square one again.”
Residents in Barr Court and Meeking Drive, Pakenham, were shocked when their regal neighbourhood mascot suddenly went missing.
Henry has been part of the family for people living in the semirural residential properties nestled alongside Toomuc Creek since he was brought there by a couple who looked after injured wildlife.
Residents have contacted police, local wildlife parks, veterinarian clinics and other authorities in a bid to track down their beloved bird.
Ms Cremore said she would try and investigate reports that a stray peacock had also been recently sighted in Lilydale.
Callers to the Gazette said they had heard reports about the sighting on the radio.