Walter swanston

New loft just completed.24 feet with a 22 feet six inch by two and a half foot aviary along the front.Built to a Belgian design completely open at the front and ventilation at the rear so the birds get fresh air all the time but no rain or dampness as the front and rear are protecte d by overhangs.The birds trap into the aviary over permanently installed ETS traps.and then into their sections.All I need now are better pigeons

SU10S 5880 has been reported to its owner

I believe that some federations set their race programmes in January/February after the SNFC have published their programme.Is this a good idea??

There is a new Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill going through the Scottish Parliament.Members of Scottish Parliament`s Rural Affairs and Environment Committee will be holding what seems to be an open meeting on the Bill at THE BUCCLEUCH CENTRE LANGHOLM on TUESDAY 7th. SEPTEMBER.One of the subjects under discussion is the licensing of the management of wild animals.I intend to attend this meeting on behalf of the Solway Federation and if given the opportunity I want to speak on the difficulty and red tape surrounding the grant of licenses to control sparrow hawks around pigeon lofts.If any member of this site is interested in the meeting let me have your e mail address and I will try and send you a copy of the Scottish Parliament`s publicity on this.

Lockerbie 104 pigeons away to Stafford

I am informed that an appeal is unlikely but in any case I will keep a close eye on any developements.

I AM NOT SURE sTEVEN i THINK HE STAYS AT BORLAND

So far as I know the RSPB played no part in this.The guy wanted to breed falcons to sell on I do not know, nor do I want to know what the RSPB`s attitude would be, all I am sure of is that it is a amall victory for us

Scottish Fanciers may know that earlier this year a man sought planning permission from Dumfries and Galloway Council for the erection and establishment of buildings for the housing and training of some 300 peregrine and gyr falcons at Westwater near Langholm probably to sell on to Saudi Arabia.These falcons were to be hacked out as part of their training.The danger to racing pigeons would have been calamitous.On behalf of the Solway Federation I placed a strenuous objection to this planning application.I am now glad to report to the Scottish pigeon fancy that planning permission has been denied to this applicant.I certainly do not claim sole credit for this victory for common sense as there were other objectors but it is good to know that this danger is over at least

Solway Federation liberated at 10 a.m. 826 birds into a fresh south-west wind

I totally agree with the last post. Itis hawks,hawks and again hawks.Twice or three times over the last two or three years I have personally witnessed large racing teams of pigeons easily several hundred thrown into complete and utter disarray by the attack of a single peregrine falcon.I very much doubt if any of these birds reached Lanarkshire.

Where are you Jakjak

Okay thanks for that.I phoned your man Kilpatrick.I let the bird out this morning because I get a lot of up country pigeons using Moffat for bed and breakfast,if it comes back in I will do the needfull.

Su10 M 631 in Moffat

Solway Federation away from Leyland at 12.00 into a fresh north east wind,Convoy well down from 2300 last week.

There is no doubt, no doubt at all the main reason for young bird losses in August each year in the Solway is the presence of large numbers of Peregrine Falcons in Cumbria which has the unenviable reputation of having the highest density of these predators in Northern Europe.

Solway Federation 2316 pigeons

For the information of anyone contemplating training young birds back up into Lanarkskire along the route of the M74. Please be aware that the area just to the South of Moffat is subject to regular patrols by a pair of Peregrine Falcons.I have lost birds already this week.

Hey Pigeon Guy 147 .Give it a try become a top official see how you like it

Congratulations on joining us 77 years old

I have every sympathy with your situation.I personally have had both success and failure with Lottery Grants.I obtained a grant for my club for ETS systems but that was some years ago.I have tried and been knocked back three times when applying for The Solway Federation for transporter costs and latterly transporter baskets.You probably have already done this, but it is essential when applying to provide a constitution for your club and the constitution must clearly show that membership is open to everyone in your community (ethnic ninorities can be helpful) if you do not already have a constitution let me know and I will send you one which can be modified for your club.It is also absolutely necessary to show that the whole community in your area benefits from and is seriously interested in Pigeon Racing.A little exaggeration can go a long way here.Do not give up because after all it is our own money,if all else fails pay a personal visit to the Awards for All Office in Glasgow and ask them to explain their decision. I have known this to work.

Birds of Prey are an absolute menace nearly everywhere now.After having seen my young birds slaughtered over the past five years racing up from Cumbria and then starting the next season with practically nothing I am now giving serious thought to missing young bird racing altogether training them myself up to about Carlisle (40 miles) and hopefully starting 2011 with a full team first time for years.I presently have about 35 beautiful young birds which I am most reluctant to see going the same way as previous years.What do members on this site think about missing young bird racing.

Does anyone know Gerry Eccles of Dublin.I have his bird IHU 08S 7683.His phone line is out of order

Sadly I have trouble with crows every year.I am convinced that they can hear the chicks squeaking in the loft and then they appear.They have to be carefully watched

I wonder what site members consider to be the best loft software.I presently have East Coast sotware