As I was going for a run the other day I heard a loud scream. It was something I had never heard before, I frantically looked around to see a peacock just walking along a cornfield. It was just casually screaming. When I got home I looked to see if that kind of scream was normal... It is.

I also learned that these guys are a protected species in Iowa. According to the DNR,

All birds in Iowa are protected except for game birds in season, European starlings, and house sparrows. Minus the exceptions, it is illegal to collect bird feathers, nests, or eggs, and to kill, collect, or keep any bird without a special permit, such as a one for an educational facility or a wildlife rehabilitation center.

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If you ever happen to see a peacock in Iowa just admire it from afar, and definitely DON'T shoot it. Oh, and get ready to hear some weird screams you never thought a bird so beautiful would make.

I have never seen a peacock outside of a zoo, so this was a really cool thing to see just out in the middle of nowhere Iowa. It made my night a bit more interesting.

Peacock in Iowa
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Peacock in Iowa
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LOOK: Here are the 25 best places to live in Iowa

Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Iowa using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

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