Were they where those holes/indentations are now? If so, it's a possibility, although I don't know of any critters that will naturally attempt to dig up and eat peonies. Did you add anything like blood or bone meal to the soil before planting?

Just an observation but that soil looks pretty poor quality for peonies or other perennials - very dry and without any organic matter. How does it drain?

btw, peonies are not bulbs :-)

Thanks! No, I haven't added anything but am working on amending the soil and then mulching. The soil is very poor here, it's true.

If they've only been in the ground a few days I'd probably dig down to find out if they're still there! I will gladly admit that I's sometimes too curious for my own good, though.....

Good idea - I should probably put more fertile soil around them anyway so t would be a good excuse. Funny that until I saw the photo, I didn't realize how terribly crumbly the soil is...

Let us know what happens, if they're still there!