Novice

I think they were just beaten by the wind and rain. But still coming steadily I hope.

At the moment 36 from 48 Ayrshire race from Wakefield.

Ayrshire and Ballochmyle were at Wakefield.

I completely agree with this comment. Perhaps we should establish a fund to start with. Raised for example through a pigeon sale.

As far as I can see returns in Ayrshire are diabolical. I timed at 12:38 from a 08:00 lib at wakefield. I waited 40 minutes for my next bird. The first pigeon was absolutely soaked and brought 3 strays with him. The strays are still on a neighbour's roof drying out.

I agree that it is a sign that your birds are not in as good condition as the silky feathered ones. How to improve this may be slightly more complex. I believe that there is now a company-----may be Crossgates or a name similar to that who analyse feather samples and give advice on what your birds are lacking on the basis of this analysis. They say this is an established practice in the poultry industry.

What have you been told about wasting time on here on a Friday afternoon. Get the troops motivated ;D

I agree that Wickes were cheaper and held a bigger stock than Band Q in my area. I might be interested in the ventilators.

Not sure why no barley but some fanciers substitute Oats for barley to achieve the same results.

So you won a young bird race and you are telling these guys how it should be done---wow. No your record does not compare well with mine or any of the guys you have tried to belittle. I won the first race I competed in and have continued in that vein depending on work commitments. My best year was 10 wins from 17 races in a strong club. This year I have won 3 from 4 starts. I don't normally talk of achievements but your arrogance demanded that I did. Sorry Mate I don't feel I would like to hang about on here any longer as this is actually the racing season and I spend as much time as possible with my birds. Could I propose you do likewise.

You seem very experienced---I assume you have had a few good results this year already

Lovely pigeons. By coincidence I had a guy contact me last night looking for a single white pigeon to release at a family funeral. Unfortunately I could not help him but provided a contact who possibly could. If I had a white pigeon it would have been ideal as the cemetary is only 3 miles from me and the bird would have homed no problem.

How do we determine what a good race is? When monitoring returns we need to appreciate that it's not only fishermen who stretch the truth. This weekend I lost 6 pigeons from 44 sent---not too bad but when you consider that 3 of the birds which returned late have injuries which will prevent them racing again this year then all is not what it seems. Winning velocities were high but this is no indicator of race quality. I think that any decision to avoid mass liberations into strong winds with a threat of thunder at the weekend were commendable.

I believe the pigeon went to Louella. I also believe the dark pigeons flown by Brian Denny contain some of this blood. I also believe George Brownlee was associated with Fallowhill Superstar--not sure if he was breeder racer or both. Perhaps some of our Lanarkshire members would know.

the parking can be a bit chaotic

Strange race into Ayrshire. I have 35 home from 44 sent. 168 miles times 2 hours 45 minutes. Some latecomers had obviously hit rain.

Ayrshire Federation will liberate at Ripon 09:00 light se wind

Perhaps as the weekend develops you may actually be thanking your officials because they have put the welfare of the birds first. Let's face it if you still have a full team it's no problem to jump in the car and give them a really long midweek toss. Me----I'm off back to my own fed to hang about all day and find the birds are held over.

Damp misty with little wind in Ayrshire. The sky looks brighter towards the centre of the country.

Ayrshire are basketed tonight hoping for a Saturday race from Ripon 168 miles to me.

I will have about 60. The better ones will not go past 100 miles. If I have a good team of old birds remaining the less well bred youngsters will go to the Federation final.

This year I seem to have the ability to win races and talk rubbish. Entered 3 and won 3 but not much honour as the club is shrinking rapidly. I am only on line to check the weather to see how best I can support the fed and leave myself some fresh birds for later-----but I thought I would let the Lanarkshire lads entertain me.

Ayrshire Federation are basketing Friday "hopefully "for a Saturday race.

Once the man told me "if I have second prize then I have no garden furniture left" "why not " I asked. "because I kick the legs off it" was the answer. That is an example of the man's motivation. You can rest assured that during the racing season he will not be indoors talking rubbish on a P.C.

Surely this is a bit drastic----why bother with another wife?