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That would have been nice. However, the owner is a member of this forum, and I know he'd have informed me if she'd returned (she'd never have flown that far anyay, so not likely). I still look up on lamp posts and roofs just in case!

I don't disagree. But am still smiling at the poncing comment. Not heard it before, and will use it in future ;-D

Just spat my tea out at 'on the ponce' ;-D ;-D Don't think anyone would accuse you of that.

A few IHU birds found lately. Whenever I see 'Found IHU....' then realise it's not mine :-( Such is life.

Welcome :-)

There is hope, but apparently it's a way off. Have just been reading about a project called ICARUS (International Co-operation for Animal Research Using Space). This is primarily a scientific project concentrating on animal migration - but so many domestic solutions have some from scientific research projects like this. ICARUS realises that only large animals (greater than 300g) can be followed globally using existing satellites, because of power and size constraints on the tracking devices. No good for small animals and our feathered friends. Transmitters are currently available which weigh 1 gram or less (including antenna and battery) and will emit 20 millisecond pulses at 1 second intervals for a month or more. But existing satellites can't track them. So, the ICARUS project is looking at new animal tracking satellites. It could be that a satellite, named HERMES is the solution. Of course, it all needs support and backing on a huge scale, but the possibilities are great. Anyway, interesting reading :-)

'I believe, Sir, you have my bird' ;-D ;-D The number of people here who have had birds stolen. What a great thought :-)

I wish I'd had something like this for my hen that escaped and didn't come back. At least could have tracked her down :-( I wonder whether a simple chip in a ring would be able to act as a receiver for a sat nav device of some sort?

haha. You mean a harem? ;-D

Leaving the door open might be a risky proposition - cats or other preditors. Somewhere dry is essential, and I would suggest some redskin peanuts as a treat. However, from what you've said about her size, that wouldn't be a good idea ;-)

There's only one vote I could lodge yes. As a non-racer, I really fear for pigeons and indeed songbirds, and as already said, there's going to be serious problems ahead for all - not just fanciers. The policy of protection of one type of bird (raptors) over others is totally unsustainable, and morally wrong.

Welcome to Pigeonbasics. I'm sure you'll enjoy it here :-)

I'll definitely write it up, and have made a start as promised. Never seem to find the time with work and the pigeons. But as this is a great cause, and if it helps other non fanciers to appreciate it, I'll do it. If anyone has any suggestions on a format, I'd be happy to take them on board.

Some of us have pledged money to 'your' fund, and are also trying to fight the RSPB from the inside by affecting existing members.

National Trust, maybe - but never RSPB for me. Too full of happy clappers. I'm certainly stating my case to all those friends of mine who are songbird and (now) pigeon friendly. If they continue their subscriptions, I've failed. BUT I WON'T!!!!!!!!!!!

I, for one, have three birds in a 6x4 shed, and until I know considerably more about these magnificent creatures, I won't have many more than a few more for the time being. My birds still find their own space, even though there are others they could go to. I always say less is more. However, I don't race, so I realise I'm speaking from a rather different perspective. Although, I think I'd lean to the same lines if I did race. It has to be personal experience and preference though?

I think they sort of acknowledge this by saying that raptors kill anything 'up to pigeon size'. Shoud say 'UP TO AND INCLUDING PIGEONS' !!!

Amazing charity. I'm off to join. http://www.save-songbirds.co.uk/

<- that's my username ;-) £10

Crikey! Will it make it through do you think, dogeon?

oh yes! 8)

I'm not a pie fan (boo - hiss), but I like cake. Dundee cake - YUM YUM ;-D ;-D

Jimmy - I'm surprised they haven't thought of it themselves! They just need to think outside the box, and whilst pigeons aren't on the curriculum, with a little imagination, they can use them to really interest kids in loads of subjects.

jimmy, this is excellent. Little children are fascinated by birds they can touch, watch circle, and then home. If children can get the opportunity to appreciate pigeons like this, they may not all become fanciers, but hopefully, they'll appreciate them. Essentially, they'll probably never forget the experience. By bringing pigeons into school, and igniting childrens' interest, there's so much schools can base pigeon homing/racing on. Maths (how long does it take a pigeon flying at x miles an hour to fly x miles), Geography (if a pigeon flies due north from Bristol for 90 miles, where would he end up), Biology (how many eggs does a pigeon lay, how long is the hatching process, and how long is it before they can fly). All this and lots more!! ;-D ;-D Crikey, I'm on a roll ;-D ;-D ;-D ;-)

He was doing you a kindness not offering you a MacDonalds. Nasty things. But surely could have offered you a coffee! ;-D ;-D