Larry Lucas

Right. I should have noted, "check local laws governing such devices." You might find a local falcon club will help you with your problem. It is at least worth a conversation. Where is the national organization on such matters?

Three words: Swedish Goshawk Trap http://raptorsnest.com/GosTrap/index.htm Put in a few bait pigeons and Bobs your uncle.

Vic, it is possible something like this UV torch on ebay might work, if it is bright enough. http://cgi.ebay.com/21-UV-LED-Ultra-Violet-Black-light-Flashlight-395-nM_W0QQitemZ220078734092QQihZ012QQcategoryZ66954QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Quite a few items on this website also: http://www.blacklight.com/ When our boxer pup was young, the wife wanted her to stay in the house, so I bought one of those small 6 inch battery operated uv tube black lights at the pet store to detect the stains from the pup -- but it was too weak for that purpose and far to weak to illuminate the corn. My son had a 12" flourscent fixture with a black light tube in it that had to be plugged into a regular power source. That one worked like a charm for revealing the molds and fungi on the pigeon feed -- and for finding pet stains. If you see one in a store, make sure it shines brightly or it is worthless. Larry

Vic, I haven't posted much here, but on this one I am in sympathy with you. Although it is hard to know for sure, I would suspect the peanuts. Most of the fanciers who have difficulty from peanuts use the ones they have purchased in large bulk. If you can get one of those "black lights" (ultraviolet) the kids use with posters on their walls and shine it on the peanuts in a dark room, you will see the moulds and fungi if they are there. I also learned the hard way that it is better to purchase the small packets of raw peanuts for human consumption and put them in the freezer section of the refridgerator until needed. Raw peanuts go bad quickly when not roasted -- especially those large bags. The country of origin is also a consideration as some countries standards for these things will not be the same as the UK.

The Smerle of Liege was a pigeon used in developing the modern racing pigeon. A fast very short distance pigeon. This bird was based, as I recall, on the owl pigeon or turbit. That is the genetic origin of the feathered feet hatching in your lofts, in my opinion.