Novice

I have bred a couple this year with feathered feet---not legs but feet.They are from a cross I introduced a couple of years ago and can be traced back to a feather footed pigeon which topped the Federation from 500 miles. The birds which have feathered feet actually have down right down onto the feet at 7 days old when ringing them.

I wish I had sent more now. Stuart---is there a mechanism in place to notify members?---It is unlikely they will phone Lib line today.

looks like your birds will be heading for the thunder area if released.

I note that several weather sites are mentioning the possibility of thunder in the Leeds/Doncaster areas on Saturday.

Best ask Gareth

No but I respect his judgment. I am still struggling to decide how many to send.

I have just spoken to a guy from Witney---close to Newbury he is an ex fancier and current fisherman so understands weather. He says a wet weekend is forecast for his area and the wind is Northerly. He says that with the heat they have had recently there could also be thunder in the air. He says this has not been forecast but that is his feeling.

seems like a good move to me

I am still undecided how many to send but doubt if I will send many yearlings to either Wanstead Flats or Newbury given the weather conditions. It will be a last minute decision.

Why are we even bothering to dignify this loon tune with a response to his posts. His only aim is to have a real good windup.

I am still short of 11 pigeons from 41 sent. I have 2 this morning. Any yearlings which return will be forgiven but older birds have a black mark for that night out.

I am convinced there is more to it than that today. The moon is clearly visible in the sky along with the sun. Never clever racing when we have this.

Well pissed off today. Only 7 home from 41 sent. Waited 40 minutes after timing for my next arrival. Timed 10:10 from a 05:45 lib at Leicester. Distance somewhere between 260-270 miles.

Ayrshire Federation liberated at Leicester at 05:45

it never has before and is unlikely to do so now---not when egos are involved

Well done with the project. Not much response on this forum. Perhaps it would be a good idea to explain it to the members. Worst possible time for fanciers with Friday being marking night.

If they are still out and you have a hungry youngster in the loft I would put it out to give the others confidence. Once all 14 are indoors give them a day to settle then put them back out in small groups. Keep them in on Saturday if you are on a line of flight.

I am in total agreement with going together. 15 minute intervals is a complete piece of nonsense. Get them up together and give the good birds a chance to come to the front rather than being caught up in the 98% sh** from the previous convoy.

Ayrshire Federation are at Leicester. 261 miles to me.

you will not sleep anyway. Just close the trap at night then rise early. They will not come down immediately.

Classic signs of having had a scare--possibly hawk. They will come down and in in the morning. Occasionally if it is a sunny evening this can also put them off.

I haven't checked the weekend forecast yet although a clubmate told me this morning that the temperature will rise slightly for the weekend.

Excellent post---my first action would be respiratory--Ornithosis. It can often be present with no outwards signs except lack of desire to fly.

You need long arms to catch them.

Time yet for a couple more. Once they dry out and have a rest they look ok. That's the first time this year the winners have flown for more than 4 hours. We have a long way to go yet.