Albert the White Peacock of Boulder Creek

By Julie Horner

On November 23, 2024 Boulder Creek’s wonderful wild white peacock was predated by a mountain lion. Neighbors reported that Albert was taken by a puma in the area of the Redwood Resort campgrounds at the south end of Boulder Creek. Albert lived free in this quiet residential neighborhood in the Santa Cruz Mountains, choosing secluded backyards to roost, strutting nonchalantly along dappled paths where he browsed an omnivore’s smorgasbord of delicacies among the duff and locals looked after his welfare. A symbol of resilience during the CZU fire in August of 2020 and a favorite ‘personality’ making his way along side streets, he was much beloved as the unofficial mascot of the town for what some say was three decades, maybe more.

Peacocks have naturalized here but are not native to California. Elias J. Baldwin is credited with importing the first peacocks to the state in the 1870s to control rodents on his Southern California ranch; today’s rogue clusters of birds (called “an ostentation of peacocks,” or a muster or a pride) are thought to be descendants. The peacock is the national bird of India and is protected there and in other places of origin, but The Audubon Society notes that California has a feral peacock “problem” in some parts of the state “where they claw up gardens, peck at car fenders, and belt out their songs at all hours.” Not everyone enjoys that mournful cry, which can sound hauntingly human. Most Albert fans took his vocalizations in stride. Boulder Creek residents have observed several peacock enclaves over the years — noted by the distinctive calls — high atop China Grade near Big Basin Redwoods State Park, up by Hawk Ridge, Hopkins Gulch, and Eddy Ranch off Bear Creek Road, and other locations. Albert found his niche “in town” and because of frequent sightings has become Boulder Creek’s most famous representative next to Sasquatch.

Albert the White Peacock of Boulder Creek by Whitney Bull

Albert the White Peacock of Boulder Creek with plumes extended by Whitney Bull

Albert the White Peacock of Boulder Creek by Whitney Bull

According to Treehugger.com, white peacocks are extremely rare. And Albert was not albino. Albert’s lack of color was caused by a special genetic mutation which made him leucistic, lacking pigment, while retaining dark eyes, unlike true albinism, which causes a lack of melanin in the eyes as well, rendering them pink or red. According to the Peacock Fact Sheet from the PBS Nature blog (pbs.org), “In the wild, peafowl live 10 to 25 years. Domesticated peafowl have been known to live as long as 40 to 50 years.” The great horned owl, bobcat, and coyote are among our mountain predators, and many here have noticed an uptick of mountain lion activity this year. Albert was one of a kind to live so long wandering the wild backstreets of Boulder Creek.

Albert was Boulder Creek’s celebrity white peacock. You can look him up on YouTube. The television series Animal Planet came to Boulder Creek to do a story (animalplanet.com). Countless media made him a star after he survived the CZU fire. Local author Jackie Hendricks wrote Albert’s Ashes: A Peacock’s Tail to help children learn about resilience. Artists Jenny Gosk, Jennifer Wildermuth Reyes, Nicky Gaston, Addison Ritchie, Cheyenne Donald, and others created artwork featuring Albert’s image to inspire a fire-scarred community. Everyone loved Albert. People from all over the world came to see Albert and take a picture with his plumes up. He will be missed.

A Memorial for Albert

As news spread about Albert’s passing, many voiced a desire for some type of memorial with a clear majority favoring a mural. Kevin Foster, admin for the popular Boulder Creek Neighbors Facebook group, contacted the owner of the Forest Corners building that houses Jenna Sue’s Cafe and Oh Suzannah’s Hair Designers at 13090 in Boulder Creek. He then reached out to noted artist and muralist Yeshe Jackson. All were in agreement and a plan was hatched. Jackson will paint the mural on the south side of the building at the corner of Highway 9 and Forest Street overlooking what the locals call “the Peach Cottage lot,” a vacant space left by a restaurant fire decades ago.

Yeshe has completed several murals in the San Lorenzo Valley, including the bright “Welcome to Boulder Creek” mural on the side of Johnnie’s Market at the junction of Highway 9 and Big Basin Highway, and several murals at area schools featuring local wildlife in forest settings. His submission for this commission shows Albert in full regalia standing strong among the redwoods in a beam of sunlight. Yeshe said, “I’ve tried my best to capture his majesty. I hope it will be a fitting tribute that the community will love.”

Concurrently the Boulder Creek Business Association began collecting funds to honor Albert. According to BCBA president Karen Edwards, the two groups combined efforts with the intention to accelerate fundraising so that the mural can be completed by late January. “Whenever possible it’s always a blessing to inspire others to let their light shine. Albert will be able to shine his light on the community for decades to come,” Kevin said.

A community gathering will be held to unveil the art work and celebrate Albert and what he still means to the community. “Albert had a natural way of bringing joy to all who saw him,” Karen said. “He was a symbol of community unity and strength. I think he’d be honored that we’re celebrating him in a way that will be appreciated for decades to come.”  

Donations to the mural funds are ongoing. Contribute to the Foster’s Boulder Creek Neighbors’ fund at gofundme.com/keep-alberts-memory-alive-with-a-mural The BCBA has purchased a white peacock statue to display in various shops and restaurants in Boulder Creek to call attention to the fundraising effort. To donate to the BCBA fund, visit bcba.net.

Inspired by Albert

Jennifer Wildermuth Reyes said, “This painting was started in early August 2020 and then we evacuated for 6 weeks for the CZU fires. At that time Albert became a symbol of Boulder Creek’s strength and resilience. When we finally were allowed back home and I returned to working on this piece, I changed the whole background to represent this powerful new symbol of Albert.” See Jennifer’s art: wildermuthreyesart.com

“A teeny teeny little creek in a deep ravine” provided a natural firebreak that saved Jenny Gosk’s home in Boulder Creek. “When we evacuated I took my iPad and drew the peacock—somebody posted him trotting along in the apocalypse and I used that as a basis. I used the time to not think about whether our house was there, or our neighbor’s house…you just didn’t know.” This image is still available at Jenny’s online store: etsy.com/shop/NonnyDrawls

I Will Walk You Through the Fire: Art by Cheyanne Donald. “I chose Albert because when I thought of the symbol of Boulder Creek, and resiliency, that was what came to mind. The constant thought of hope and strength of this creature that was so beautiful and pure and if he was surviving this, being in the middle of it, we were going to be just fine.” Follow Cheyanne on Instagram: @instagram.com/slicklikeninja

SCM Strong – Nicky Gaston

SCM Strong: Art by Nicky Gaston. Note the white peacock feather tip at the core of the mountain. This is Nicky’s tribute to Albert the white peacock as a symbol of resilience during the CZU fire. “The SCM Strong concept and illustration was my way of giving back to our community as well as showing the many staple locations and characteristics from our area. To me the Santa Cruz mountains is one of the most unique and creative areas and I wanted to capture as much as possible in one illustration. From the wooden carved bear in Boulder Creek to the sandstone formations in Bonny Doon we are all in this together! Santa Cruz mountains has a STRONG community and we will rebuild what was lost together.”
Contact Nicky: ngcreativeco.com

The Albino Peacock of Boulder Creek

A poem from a member of the Boulder Creek community, submitted anonymously, printed with permission.

Beneath the redwoods, strong and wise,
A pale white peacock caught our eyes.
Its feathers shimmered, pure as frost,
A fleeting treasure we thought we’d lost.

Through decades long, its grace remained,
A quiet symbol, unrestrained.
Of spirit bold, yet soft and meek,
It claimed the heart of Boulder Creek.

When pressure weighed upon our town,
When storms would rise and dreams fell down,
The peacock walked with steadfast pride,
A ghostly guide we held inside.

When holidays came in ash and flame,
The CZU fire carved its name.
Through smoky skies, its beauty stayed,
A sign of hope that never swayed.

Children ran to catch its trail,
Its mystery like a whispered tale.
And though it vanished, gone from view,
Its spirit lingers, strong and true.

For in our hearts, it still takes flight,
Through forest green and starlit night.
A symbol rare, its memory deep,
The soul of Boulder Creek to keep.

Featured Photo: Albert the Peacock by Whitney Bull

Additional story in the San Lorenzo Valley Post: Albert’s Ashes: A Peacock’s Tail

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