Kyleakin Lofts

Will you all get in (as per Bigda) or will it be another damp squib with complaints later about it being a fix because the football was on on the same day?

Ian, the two that grounded, one went into the kids hut porch, the other under the hedge behind the hut. The Sparra was in direct chase of these two. I am not great at distinguishing them yet, but the Buzzards I can tell ok. The Kestrels are fairly easy as well. I have problems with the problem BOP. I am sure it is a Sparra here, it is a bit bigger than the Kestrel, has a long tail giving the impression of a very thin body and the wings seem scimitar shaped when open.

Ian, the sparra has been at my birds, I now have them locked up since the end of August. It only got about 3 of them, but it was still checking the area out in October, so a few days won't help too much. Further to that, the last attack, unsuccessful only because I chased it from its catch, happened while I was outside the loft watching. The sparra just missed me when it attacked the third time. The previous 2 attacks were chases and the late breds took to the ground. I managed to get some trapped, but the third attack was more of an ambush while I was trying to get them in. My presence did not deter the hawk. The birds were very alert, but also very stressed and I'm not sure that is a good thing.

About time the Unions got their act together. Glad they have for this one.

Yes. Liam's marking is early so I have time to get to Hurlford. I'm only 5 mins from Liam.

My thoughts go to the Rankin family and his friends.

I have. First race south, second north, third south, late back, then north to the end. Might have been confused or unfit, I'm too dumb to know, but my south birds will go south only next year, unless they mess up and then I'll race them north to the end.

You done well and pipped the valley boys a couple of times. just so you know I was talking to you at central marking. My daughter is a Kilmarnock harrier, if that helps you remember me.

If you race the same birds both routes, then if nothing else, the north would be good to give confidence back to any that struggled a bit south and to keep them fit before jumping them in to a big one. I fancy tackling lerwick as well. now that is a difficult one from all reports I've heard.

Good season on north. Didn't time on first Arbroath and Montrose, although they came back late. Was told to stop them, keep training them and catch later races. they were late-breds and their feathers were possibly breaking down with the bad weather. Done this and caught the later races with them. Didn't time Portlethen and lost him as well, but all other races managed the result in Valley Club. Pleased at getting 3 / 3 from Thurso because some Fed toppers were lost, so my birds done well. On south got 1 / 3 from Aycliffe and 0 / 1 from Newark, but I don't think I had them fit enough. Got 2 / 3 south birds back and they finished north programme. I live just inside Ayrshire thus the north road and joined Barrhead for the south. Barrhead now fly in Glasgow and Renfrewshire / West Strathclyde. Next year they will probably fly Glasgow and west Strathclyde since I think Renfrew will be no more.

Ayrshire North Road and a very few races with Glasgow on the south. I only have 2 birds for south racing this year, so it may be a time before i am ready for what i feel is a much harder route and less forgiving of my mistakes. With the north sprint programme, the birds have a chance to correct my mistakes, but I am learning all the time and feel i will soon be ready to learn how to race south.

Lanarkshire has set their programme. The 5 small feds have not. There is time for the 5 small feds to Amalgamate into one for the reasons of transport and bird security. Politics in the doo game has cost it dearly. It is time for common sense to take over, I know we are dealing with doo men. If they can come together for these reasons, then after the wrinkles are ironed out, the Amalgamation will be in a better position to cope with big Lanarkshire. Nobody is saying it will be easy and I'm afraid, being a beginner, that I am unable to put forward any knowledgeable, constructive points, however, I feel this must be attempted and all effort made to ensure its success.

I believe Lanarkshire fed has sections where race results are given out with section winners, etc. If Amalgamation is a problem because, in the past, competition has been deemed unfair, why not Amalgamate for transport and liberation only. This way the benefits of lower fuel costs and subsequently lower birdage and / or larger profit to Feds and Security of numbers for the birds could be achieved without the disruption of the competitive element. Just as lanarkshire have sectional results, thee Amalgamation could have sectional results in the form of Federation divisions and this would remain the main copetition areas. After a period of time and after the wrinkles have been ironed out, the competition could possibly be enlarged to amalgamation level. As Gareth says, somewhere down the line it will have to come due to decreasing numbers. Survival is always easier when it is attacked and taken in a confident manner. If we leave it until the water envelopes us, we will have left it till too late. It is better to embrace the water and swim rather than become engulfed in panic and drown.

He did time in and a fair position given the distance and time of year. I met George once when I bought 2 birds from him. Both turned out to be cocks. Liz and George made my kids and myself very welcome and passed on a few tips for the beginner. I am sorry to hear this. My thought go to his family and friends.

Wanting a copy of Scotland's Own 1969, 1989 and 1990.

Sorry to hear about the attack. Mine are locked up now.

Let RPRA sort it out. Even if they have bought in good faith RPRA needs to trace the route and deal with the culprits. Don't want the wrong un in the sport.

Good read. I enjoyed that.

Thanks folks. The 2 daughters and two grandkids over for lunch. The wife is cooking a nice meal tonight.

http://www.potassium-permanganate-online.com/how-to-order.html?gclid=CI-0jLfvzaMCFan-2AodkCMdbw If you are still interested. I use it in the bath water. I don't put it in the drinking water.

Welcome Andy. Thought you were on here before.

Are dock weeds not an endangered species. Pigeon fancier kills dock weed by using poison.

We used to play all day when we were kids. These professionals get it easy. It may be a long hard season, but they work at it full time, are meant to be fit and are well overpaid. We enjoyed playing football and couldn't get enough of it. I know you may feel that it is unfair on your team, but let's be honest, if the two top teams in Scotland can not come up to muster against any of the others, then their players are slinging the hook.

Had already done that, but to no avail. He's been in contact now though. He had tried earlier, but some glitch stopped his PM coming through.

Anyone able to give me Austin's contact number. I need to talk to him. Thanks in advance.