A FAN DANCE: Peacocks On Parade at Oak Spring

A FAN DANCE: Peacocks On Parade at Oak Spring

PHOTOS BY DILLONKEENPHOTOGRAPHY.COM and JILL VOGEL

By now, we know that neighbor, friend, mother, and Virginia State Senator Jill Vogel wears many hats. What most might not know (until now) is that in the past year, she has developed a fondness for these ancient, flamboyant and intriguing birds. Collectively known as a bevy, the females are peafowl, the males are the exhibitionists. After doing some research, Jill had a friend, Kate Armfield, gift her three and she found a breeder in southern Virginia for the rest. She drove hours to bring them back to their family farm, Oak Spring, in Upperville. As the bevy expanded, a barn was renovated and the ritual of feeding and getting to know them has developed nicely. Recently, after school one day, the Vogel’s son, Tas, and daughter, Olivia, joined their mother for feeding time, while father, Alex, observed. Never known to display their fabulous plumage on command, the peacocks will cooperate when all is quiet. And voilà…we have a fan dance.

Cobalt, sapphire or caerulean, the look is majestic.

Olivia lying down with many peacocks in the background.

Taz, Jill and Olivia spend some after-school quiet time feeding their fine feathered friends.

The Fan Dance

Photo by Jill Vogel