That is a very good point ,no matter how big the disaster over the years the same group of fanciers manage to time not all the time but more often than not . I do personally feel the coincidence of the young falcons taking to wing and being taught to hunt at this exact time of year plays a very major factor in the decimation of convoys at the early stages thus the quality pigeons have the know how to go it alone ,yes a good percentage of these will also be targeted The black cock that was returned from alencon is in wonderful condition but only flies onto the landing looks skyward and goes straight back into the safety of the loft repeating this many times having had experience of the falcon for well over 25 years these are the traits that pigeons targeted develop some never regaining their nerve ,some cope better than others One thing for certain my friends it ain't going to improve . I cannot condition any better the two cocks for falaise tonight if they come up trumps fair and good but more often than not it will be the last time I handle them They are only a passing acquaintance nowadays enjoy them when they are there Atb Mick