A SCHOOL’S pigeon-racing team has hit the heights to win a 120-mile race.
Longshaw Junior School, from Park Lee Road in Blackburn raced against 15 other competitors from the Oswaldwistle Homing Society in the Tewkesbury race and flew past all of their competitors to take first place.
Before the race pigeons are taken to be marked and prepared for the race and then taken to a liberation point.
They are then liberated together and then fly back to their home lofts and the one with the highest velocity, speed at yards per minute, wins the race.
The winning pigeon travelled the fastest of the other 266 pigeons sent out, flying at 50mph, and obtained the highest velocity.
Seven-year-old Lawson Berry and father Jonathan Berry, who is the deputy headmaster at the school, were two members of the team.
The 40-year-old deputy head said: “Our pigeon had the fastest time and the highest velocity.
“Some competitors have 40 years’ experience in pigeon racing so it’s quite an achievement.
“My son is going to start pigeon racing next year. He said to me he wants his own cabin now. He is absolutely addicted.
“When you ask some people about pigeon racing they will say they’ve never even heard of it as a sport.
“This animal race is unique because these birds are not pets. They are doing a job for you. It’s a sport.
“They are very hard to control and the only way you can at the start is with food.”
Pigeon Fancying is now part of the Park Lee Road school’s curriculum.
The school has committed itself to promoting the sport of racing pigeons to other schools and has been supported by the local authority who are keen to promote the educational benefits associated with the sport.
Mr Berry added: “The first thing to do is to make people aware. Our school is one of the only ones in the country involved in pigeon racing.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Dove season opens hunting in the state beginning Sept. 2 and runs through three splits in our South Zone — Sept. 2-10, Oct. 7-Nov. 26 and Dec. 17-Jan. 15.
There are seven dove species in Louisiana, five of them legal to bag — mourning dove, Eurasian collared-dove, ringed-turtle dove, white-winged dove and the rock dove (pigeon).
The two that are protected are the common ground dove and the Inca dove.
Most abundant is the mourning dove which likes the open fields. We see more white-winged doves in neighborhoods. I live behind the McNeese State football stadium and have about two dozen that greet me every morning when I go out to feed birds.
Most of the white-wings are seen Southwest and Southeast of Central Louisiana.
The collared doves are statewide and the turtle doves are statewide but spotty.
This year the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has put a restriction on hunters using the Wildlife Management Areas and the departments leased fields.
They will only be allowed to use a non-toxic shot, size 6 and smaller for hunting.
The official news release from the LDWA reads: “The change is intended to reduce the deposition of lead shot and potential effects of lead on wildlife. Current research has demonstrated that in dove fields and areas surrounding dove fields, deposition of lead is high and concentration of lead is elevated in the soil.
“The regulation was proposed and adopted in order to mitigate the potential exposure of lead to wildlife in areas impacted by this activity.”
As for WMAs, there are none in the immediate area but Kori Legleu, a biologist with the local LDWA office, said the department will have several area dove field leases for the season.
“We probably won’t know for sure until about a week before the season begins,” she said.
Legleu noted that the leased fields will be in the DeRidder and Ragley areas.
She said hunters will be charged $10 each to hunt the leased fields per day and will have to check in at the site, noting that this is an opportunity for those who don’t have a place to hunt.
Hunters can go on the LDWF website to find out more on the leased fields.
Maps of these fields will also be available at the local LDWA headquarters.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
New Delhi: Agrasen Ki Baoli, the famous monument located on Hailey Road near Connaught Place in New Delhi, is in need of restoration. The architectural building has turned into a residing place for bats and pigeons. One is only able to hear the gurgling sound of pigeons, and the squeaky chatter of bats echoing. Presently, Agrasen Ki Baoli has become a hub for couples who wish to spend some quality time together.
The Baoli used to have water earlier that has dried up in recent times. One can still see the bed of the reservoir that is filled with the feathers of birds and droppings. The silence deepens as one moves to the bottom of the stairs as the light of the day fades, making visitors feel as though they are in a place that is haunted.
Agrasen Ki Baoli is one of the popular tourist sites among the visitors in Delhi. The architectural building was originally built by Maharaja Agrasen, in the Mahabharat era, and later rebuilt by the Agrawal community in the 14th century, probably during the Tughlaq period.
The architectural monument is currently protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and has a mammoth board indicating it’s national importance. The monument is divided into four levels with a flight of 108 steep steps leading down to the well. The steps are flanked by thick walls on both the sides with two series of arched niches at the first top and second levels.
The withering condition of the walls and the stinky water shed area calls for immediate restoration of the monument. The condition of the monument is getting worst with each passing day. However, this lofty monument that is considered haunted manages to attract tourists in the capital. The filthy black water is said to have an evil charm, has hypnotising people to their death by alluring them to jump in the reservoir.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
Most would agree that animals are not generally fans of surfing. Yeah, there’s the occasional one that seems to actually enjoy it, but for the most part, the animals that people put on surfboards look terrified. It’s no different for pigeons, at least judging by the images that Steve Young, a photographer from Jacksonville, snapped on Tuesday.
A guy named Cody Leutgens, who runs Surf City Surf School in North Carolina (follow them here!), was reaping the rewards of Hurricane Gert’s fury when he spotted a pigeon that was in a bit over his head. We’ll let him explain, because it’s much better that way. Here’s what he told WECT6:
“Paddling out near the pier, I spotted him struggling in the water, assuming a fishing line wrapped his wing. While paddling alongside the poles, an old, since-passed friend who had an affinity for wildlife and a knack for making the area a better place came to mind, so I felt compelled to inspect on his behalf. When I neared him, no lines were in sight and it seemed the bird was exhausted or maybe injured. He climbed aboard and rested a minute. I asked him if he was alright to go about his flight, but he didn’t respond. A wave loomed, and Pidge perched on the nose of my vessel. We stroked into the swell with ease and he held his composure for the drop. At max speed, he performed a little cheater feather hang five, then settled back until we went through the pier towards the beach. I carried him on our board to a piling bearing a mini tide pool and he scooted into the little salty bath for more rest. Seemed to like it, so I went back in the ocean. When I ended my session, he’d since left his zone. Halfway back, there was a cluster of pigeons, all but one of which fled as myself and a fellow surfer passed. I noticed his flustered feathers and knew it was Pidge, the wave carrier pigeon. As I kneeled and set my board on the sand, he came over and gave a little nod of retirement from his surf career, greeting his board one last time. All in all, a good sesh with a new homie. Me, the TI surf community, and the fella we lost some time ago would’ve all done the same for our surfing, flying comrade.”
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
A lost pink pigeon has landed on its feet after it arrived in a Somerset street.
The bird turned up in Blackbird Close, Midsomer Norton, having flown all the way from Glasgow.
Tiffany Bailey spotted the unusually-coloured bird in her street in Midsomer Norton and was concerned that it was hanging around for a few days.
She said: “I was worried my two cats might catch it as it was on the floor quite a lot, so I asked around – it came back but was unable to catch it. The lady at the top of my road caught it and someone came and rescued it.”
The bright pink bird was taken to Paulton by Becky Chivers, who keeps pigeons.
The 27-year-old mother said: “I got tagged in a Facebook post and asked if I could take it as the people that caught it didn’t have any experience.
Pink pigeon with Becky’s children – Chai and Tayla Moyle(Image: Becky Chivers)
“I picked it up and put it in my loft on its own for 24hrs and have now just put it in another one of my lofts with more pigeons it is under-weight which is understandable seeing as it has flew from Glasgow.
“Hopefully it will put weight on and I will keep it in with my other pigeons that don’t race.”
She said the bird’s pink colour was probably deliberate to prevent the bird being preyed upon.
Becky added: “You can get pink spray and you spray it under each wing to stop birds of prey catching them.
“I don’t know if it works or not but this poor pigeon definitely didn’t just get sprayed under its wing!”
As the pigeon is so far from her original home she is being rehomed with Becky’s birds – all being well.
Becky said that she started keeping pigeons in February 2016, and was following in the footsteps of her grandfather who kept the birds for more than 50 years.
She said: “I started helping him as his health got bad in February 2016 and he sadly passed away in December 2016. His wishes were for me to continue racing pigeons so that’s what I do.
“At the minute I’ve got about 60 pigeons.”
The oldest pigeon she has is Scar – an aptly named 17-year-old-bird.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
The key to finding out who poisoned a bird of prey could lie within a “rogue minority” in the racing pigeon community, police said.
A peregrine falcon was found poisoned at Glendinning Quarry in Ashburton, Devon, on Tuesday and died a day later.
Police have described the area as a “hot spot” for suspected poisonings.
The RSPB has offered a £1,000 reward for information which directly leads to the prosecution of the offender.
PC Josh Marshall, Devon and Cornwall Police’s wildlife crime officer said: “The answer to solving and preventing these poisonings could lie somewhere within a rogue minority of the racing pigeon community.”
Peregrine falcons sometimes eat racing pigeons, which “causes conflict”, he said.
The falcon will be forensically examined to establish the cause of death and a police investigation has been launched.
Other incidents in the Ashburton area:
2011: One poisoned peregrine falcon at White Cleaves Quarry, Buckfastleigh
2005: Racing pigeon used as poisoned bait at Glendinning Quarry, Asburton
2005: One poisoned peregrine and one pigeon used as poisoned bait
2003: Two men with a pigeon on a length of string appeared to try and lure peregrines from the top of White Cleaves Quarry
2000: One poisoned Peregrine at Glendinning Quarry
2000: One shot sparrowhawk near Buckfastleigh, which survived
1992: Two dead peregrines at White Cleaves Quarry, with pigeon flesh in crop
PC Marshall said: “Generally the method used will be to smear the bait with a Vaseline-type substance containing the poison onto either a live or dead bird.”
He warned the poison was also toxic to humans and pets and that people should not touch dead or injured birds.
South West Peregrines, a volunteer group which monitors the birds, has described the incident as “abhorrent”.
Tony Whitehead, from the RSPB, said: “Once again, it appears the peregrines at this site have been deliberately targeted and, it is suspected, poisoned.
“Should this prove to be the case, this is outrageous and the criminals must be brought to justice.”
The Royal Pigeon Racers Association has been contacted for comment.
About Pigeon Patrol:
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Voted Best Canadian wholesaler for Bird Deterrent products four years in a row.
