Callie Barlow's Documentary Explores Arcadia's Controversial Peacock Population

Filmmaker Callie Barlow's short documentary 'Our Neighbors, the Peacocks' examines the complex relationship between residents of Arcadia, California, and the area's non-native peacock population. The birds were introduced to the region over a century ago by businessman Elias Lucky Baldwin. As Arcadia developed from open land into a suburban community in Los Angeles County's San Gabriel Valley, the peafowl have become a source of conflict. Some residents advocate for their protection, while others view them as a nuisance and support relocation efforts. The film captures the birds roaming through yards, on rooftops, and displaying feathers during mating season. Jason Sondhi, who selected the work for Short of the Week, notes the documentary avoids offering a simple resolution to the tension. Instead, it presents the idea that coexisting with nature may require accepting certain discomforts. The film is available to view on YouTube.