maggot

Thanks Kev, I will think about that although it is not my intention to become interested in keeping pigeons. I do however want to get this particular one back to its rightful home. It is at my business address on the Ryelands Industrial estate...Unit 17b and if you were passing at some point we could get the kettle on and discuss this birds future. If it is still there tomorrow then I'll call the ROYAL PIGEON RACING ASSOCIATION, although it does say on their website not to call them if the bird is not retained. I'll try anyway, it can't hurt. Thanks Martin

OK, this latest arrival has been with me for a week now. It is relatively safe I guess, not contained and is well fed and watered. I managed to get the red ring details today, which are GB 09 V13247 well as far as I can see. If anyone knows how to let the owner know that it is at my premises in Wellington Somerset then this would be great.........Or am I worrying about nothing? Thanks Martin 01823 666780(home) 667669 (work) email maggot534@msn.com

19th August 09, just wondered if Duke is out and about, I have another guest....I've compared with the photos of Duke..and apart from being grey with similar markings I can't tell if it's him. Red ring on right leg and blue on the other can't get the numbers yet though. Been with me for 2 days now. Martin sales@customplastics.co.uk

Redcheqhen,......83......Perfect! Oldyellow, so it's OK to destroy Magpies? I'm not agreeing or dis-agreeing because I don't know crap from pudding, but what about the natural balance of life? Should humans interfere? What about Cuckoos, whos young, in a borrowed nest push out the existing eggs? ...... It might put things into perspective (for me) if a fox were to take one of my cats, I just know I'd be so angry, and find someone with a gun. But I'd be horrified if I hit a fox while driving!....I love foxes, they are so cool! What a mixed up set of emotions we have to contend with... Got a feeling this is out of context with this thread, ...but makes good conversation. Martin

Redcheqhen, sounds interesting,.....got her number handy? I'm getting the vibe that there aren't too many cat fanciers on this forum, so I might just bow out of this one....Good fun though! Incidently, what are your views on Magpies, ...since Duke, the lost pigeon came to the workshop I've been feeding the wild birds daily but the landlord of the industrial estate (ex chicken farmer) has taken to trapping Magpies and killing them. Personally I don't like any animal killed, whether un-intentional or deliberate. Any views? Martin

Fair comment,....No offence taken! :'( - - - - - But can your Pigeons do this? - - - ;D

Hmmmm....Can't agree on that one!

Hi again, just checking in, ...Mark, I just wondered how Duke is doing, he hasn't returned to the workshop since the last posting so I guess everything is OK. ...It's a strange thing, I look for him every day, keep the water fresh and look and wait! .......Just Sparrows and Magpies, oh and a field mouse and its family! I know now what Field Marshall Montgomery felt in WW2. Seriously hope the little feller is OK. Cheers Martin

Great news Mark, I will miss the little feller but better to be safe with you. I learnt a few new things including how to post pics on a forum! Thanks for letting us know Martin

Did that one all on my own!!

Looks like he's gone home again, will phone tonight to check. Hopefully below is a pic,.....had a 3 year old show me how to do it!! Martin

He's back! Arrived yesterday. Looks good to my untrained eye. Had some food and water and looks ready to fly again. Got some pics this time...Can anyone tell me how to post a photo please? Thanks Martin

David, I read the story and have to say it was the best thing I've read for many years. I had no idea it was sooooo long but stuck with it and have total admiration for you and your efforts, and of course the help of other members. I had only a breif encounter with my Pigeon, but the memory will stay with me for the remainder of my life. My passion however is Cats, and has taken me a long time to study the behaviour and mannerisms of what is, in effect, our Children (not blessed with the ability to have the human form). I spend a great deal of time and money on our Cats well being, but realise that keeping pigeons also would be wholly unfair! As I get older I am becoming more and more concerned for all creatures. I even hesitate at swatting a fly! ....Am I becoming weak, or do I need more garlic? Pigeons rule! OK!...........Next to Cats! Credit to all you guys, take care Martin

After a totally rubbish week,....central heating boiler packed up,..shed loads of awkward customers,...telly blew up today......But what a fantastic start to the week!!! It was a privilige to get so close to a bird, something I've never really experienced before,.....had a pet rook when I was a kid but that's about it. I dont think I could get into this thing, I couldn't let them fly off not knowing if they would return. I guess I'm just too soft! Mark, we have a gig at the Pilton hall (in the main street) coming up later in the year I think, 25th October comes to mind, try and make it if you can for an evening of Bluegrass music by me and the band www.thunderbridgebluegrass.com would be good to meet you and talk about the progress of the new love in my life! Hope he stops by for refreshments again sometime!.....(HE?....Really had it in my head that it was a female.....Soooooooooo pretty!) Martin

Will look out for it and keep food and water in place, just in case.......missing it already! Cheers Martin

Got in work early today ready to build a trap, but seems like my new friend has gone. Yesterday it fed well and spent a lot of time preening its feathers and did a few trips around the site which I haven't noticed it do before. Is this an indication that maybe it was just having a rest for a few days before completing its journey? I would like to know. The only info I could get from the rings was part of the telephone number, which was the Barnstaple Devon area and included 32401 in the main number. If by some strange twist of luck anyone knows if it returns home, I would love to know. This forum looks like a real friendly and helpful place...........I belong to several Bluegrass music forums and sometimes the backstabbing and political incorrectness is painful! Best of luck to you all and Thanks a lot Martin

Lost baby!....That's done it for me, I'm gonna make it my mission tomorrow to get it home. Might make a large net on a stick, ....I could use one of our cat cages,...might try that also. Getting quite attached to it now,...won't be long before I give it a name!LOL Just gone to the workshop (This is where he/she/it is)...but no sign!..... Let you know tomorrow. Martin

I got sooooo close this morning with a sheet, but it's back on the roof sunning itself in the guttering. It has fed and had water, so happy there. I've tried talking to it to reassure that I mean no harm, but just ignores me! Are pigeons usually so stupid? The green ring has GB on, I did get close enough to see this but not to catch it. I'll keep trying

Thanks for all the advice, I'll do my best to catch it today and get the phone number. I wouldn't like to put it on a carrier, I'd rather drive it home ......it would get me away from work for a couple of hours.......like parole I guess! Will keep you posted Martin

Ah, just got used to this forum posting thing, I think I've repeated myself already......I blame this new Windows Vista! How does a carrier collect a pigeon?....Are they used to this? Is it the done thing?...

Thanks for that, I'll do my best...What about light, or is it best in the dark? Is the owner obliged to collect the bird? ..........If I were to catch it but with no joy in returning to the keeper, then I will have a family member care for it with her other birds,...finches, quayle, and in whatever section they think appropriate!.................Never thought I'd lose sleep over a bird!....That's life I guess! Martiin

The best I could do if I could catch it would be a large cardboard box. Would this be OK for a night? I feed the local wild birds with seeds etc from our local pet feed shop, will this do for a while? I'm in Wellington Somerset so not far from Barnstaple.

Hi all, I know nothing about Pigeons and have only joined the forum to help a pigeon on our premises. I've been told that it is quite young by a racing pigeon fanatic. It has 3 rings as far as I can see,...yellow red and green. I have managed to identify the STD code of the telephone number as the Barnstaple in Devon area. I read on the internet that it may rest for a day or so then continue on its way. The racing pigeon guy says that it is too young for this and to try and feed it (and water of course) then catch it to re-patriate it with the owner. My worry as an animal lover, is that it will de-hydrate and suffer. It positions itself on the top ofour industrial premises mostly, so no chance of catching it,.......I would be afraid of harming it anyway!! If I were to catch it, what would I put it in and what to feed it? I will continue to feed it until there is a better suggestion. Thanks for any help. Martin Schofield 01823 666780 evenings......01823 667669 daytime