Bilco

Fanciers interested in learning about the K Index and the solar disc in general, might like to look at the Stanford University site, specifically dedicated to this study. It can be found at http://solar-center.stanford.edu/solar-weather/pigeons.html Cheers, Bill.

Pigeon Navigation Forecast shows a bad patch 20/21 July, but I do not know where he gets his data. I see nothing to merit that forecast. Maybe I'm wrong, but there you go. There appears to be no activity on site to worry us this weekend. what there was is past. Time will tell. Cheers,

Pax Iain? But SIDC still call the LHS the East.

I forgot to ask, Has Bart ever heard of the Laws of Copyright? My material, published on PIGEON CHAT, whilst in the public domain is nonetheless still my copyrighted material. Fingers off !

Ah, a direct reference from Iain at last! Where did you gain your knowledge from Mr Brown? If you look at the solar disc, the left hand side of it is known as the Eastern limb, and it rotates to the right, i.e. showing that which was on the left hand side until it gets to the right hand side, known as the western limb. Thus when a sunspot starts showing on the LHS, it will rotate before our very eyes, and the radiation (if any) from it will, once it gets to the "quarter" point ( in my layman's terms, when it has accomplished a quarter of its visual rotation) then start to influence us because the radiation then emanating from it will hit us in the face three days later. OK? IF you do not accept my terms for left and right, go to SIDC who also use such terms, they should know! I don't try to be clever Mr Brown, and blind people with science, I just use 'normal speak' language. The following is not for you Mr Brown, but for those who choose to believe I do know a little of what I am talking about. Sunspot activity, is best described for the layman I think, as bursts of activity from within the sun itself, rather like porridge boiling on a stove. These "bursts" are in fact massive, fantastic atomic explosions, which hurl billions of tonnes of Plasma and Radiation out into space, up to millions of miles above the Sun's surface, most of which is clawed back again by the Sun's gravitational field, but the radiation of Alpha/Beta/Gamma and X=Rays goes on out into space in what is called the "Solar Wind". It is this radiation that upsets compasses, GPS Systems, Radio and TV waves, and of course those creatures that rely on their magnetic senses to navigate, like fish, bees, pigeons and many, many other forms of birdlife, and of course mankind. This Radiation is graded by what is known as the 'K' Index, measured from 0 to 9 in intensity. The greater the degree of radiation the higher the figure, thus anything from 1 to 3 is a 'normal' background fluctuation that doesn't really upset much, but when it starts going higher than Figure 4 it brings trouble. At 5,6 and higher, compasses go haywire, the earth's Geomagnetic Fields start moving, and most birds lose their sense of direction to a greater or lesser degree. I say "most" because as with all things, there are sometimes exceptions, like that odd rabbit that doesn't die from Myxamytosis. Get the idea? All over the world there are Solar Information Data Centres, which constantly monitor and gather the Sun's activity data, and furnish it in Reports to those people whose job it is to let the rest of us know what is going on. Shipping Companies, Airlines, Gas and Petrol wells, and many other activities all need to know, for reasons of their own. All Nations contribute to the upkeep of these Stations, and of course all benefit from the information gathered. The USA, Europe (and other Nations) have their own Centres, I access the SIDC at Brussels, in Belgium, and request from them "PRESTO" Reports (Urgent, Flash Reports that tell me whenever the K Index goes over Figure 4, which is when I keep my birds at home and do not train nor race). I also receive URSIGRAMS which are daily notifications of ongoing solar activity, usually "Quiet". They can be useful in showing the build-up that precedes a sudden "Flare" as Sunspot bursts are known. These Reports are issued free, and are most helpful in giving the fancier two to three days notice of when "local" radiation is going to hit the highspots, the reason for this is that while the speed of light is about 168,000 miles a second, the speed of the Radiation Wind is about 1000 Kilometres a second, so while daylight from the sun takes about 9 minutes to get to you from there, it takes the Radiation something like three days to make the same journey. OK ? I hope this helps. Cheers, Bilco.

Hi Tammy, PM on its way to you. Cheers, Bill.

Hi Lads, Not been on site for a week, but just seen this thread and read through it. Whoever "Vic" is he seems to think the 'K' Index is "Mumbo Jumbo". It is a very well documented (at least 100 years old) knowledge of the way bursts of solar radiation (caused by eruptions, or 'Flares' on the sun's surface) can and does influence radio propagation and the earth's magnetic fields, and thereby compasses, which are of great concern to Shipping Companies and Airlines. They send out K Index forecasts day and daily. I have been trying to interest fanciers in the Index, and illustrate to them how knowledge of it can help prevent 'Smash' races and thus severe losses. You do NOT have to be a "rocket scientist" to understand the science of it, merely have an open mind. If your mind is closed to further learning then you will remain uneducated. If "Vic" or his ally care to ask I will be delighted to help explain as much as I know of the science. Obviously both these members have a PC so are thus enabled to access the information first hand, if they know where to look. Cheers, Bill.

Unblock it. Only takes one brick. Bill.

AVIAN INFLUENZA IN FRANCE. ALL DISTANCE RACES CANCELLED. Because of Avian Influenza cases found in France, the middle and long distance pigeon races, which are held in France, will be cancelled. Pigeons are on the way to Barcelona, Sint-Vincent and Tarbes ( race in The Netherlands ). The pigeons in Barcelona have more chance to be liberated than the ones on the way to St-Vincent and Tarbes as Barcelona is in Spain and not in France. Over to RPRA, WHO SAY THAT THE MEASURES IMPLEMENTED BY FRANCE ARE POSSIBLY TEMPORARY. The French authorities are taking stock of how the present infection was brought in and may yet permit races to continue after a few days have passed. Racing from the Cherbourg peninsula (Picauville, St Malo etc) was previously cancelled because German transporters had been in the region the previous week. Cheers, _________________

Two cygnets found dead, tested positive for H5. French MAFF have quarantined certain areas and no birds will be permitted to be released within those areas. The RPRA will advise tomorrow on DEFRA restrictions (if any) and for how long they may remain in force.

I had several pigeons from LPW years ago, and they bred me some superb YBs, flew right through to Pau and Palamos. Never had a dud from them. Old Louis was one of the finest fanciers ever to time a pigeon in my opinion, look at his record if you can obtain the old books. When you buy babies you need to cosset them for they suffer stress being parted from parents, then moved to the other end of the earth. Blame the man, not the material . . . Cheers,

Could be either Knobby or Mike Henley. Mike's phone is 01626-366095. Knobby's No is 01626-352115. Cheers, Bill.

For those interested, any birds heldover in France this weekend won't get away till Tuesday, when they should have a good race. Winds on Tuesday are forecast to be westerly, about 6mph. Cheers, Bill.

The Fungal ailment we call "feather rot" leaves the flesh absolutely bare, just hairs left. The feather stubs betoken the parasite, Sarcoptes Louvis, and the cure is as above. I've treated scores of fanciers' birds for both. The Fungus can be cured by washing the bird with Carbolic soap. Cheers.

Just spoke to Guy Reed (IOW) who says it might have stopped raining at 06.00 this morning, but not for long. It is raining now and was last night. At least the wind is behind the D&CCC birds, ESE.

I wrote about Eqvalan in the early 1980's and have used it for the last 25 years to shift worms. (For "feather rot" use Ivomec "Pour-On", one drop on to the flesh of the neck every 2 months for a year. The "rot" is in fact the mite Sarcoptes Louvis, burrowing into the feather then cutting it off, the feather stub acts as an incubator, while the embryo mites feed off the birds' serum). Mix one and a half inches of Eqvalan paste into a pint of HOT water, it won't mix in cold, then add cold water to make up 2 litres in drinker. Leave till all drunk, no other water access. Repeat a month later. Shifts worms like nobody's business.

I'd suggest it may be because they may not be confident enough in our language to attempt technical descriptions, or perhaps they do not know of its existence, or they may not be PC users . . . Maybe a score of different reasons, who knows ? How many Dutch, German or French language Forums are you aware of, or contribute to, Timbarra ? Do they matter to you? To condemn our continental cousins as scorning us may well be to do them an injustice. To generalise, and suggest that we do not matter to these "Gods" (perfectly nice ordinary people in my experience) may well not be doing them (or us) any favours. Cheers, Bill.

I lived in Belgium from 1970 to 1974. My job was to manage the SHAPE Office of OSECY from 5 p.m. till 8 a.m. the following morning, two nights a week, and I was allowed to sleep from midnight until 0500 the following morning, so I had every day free ! In those days I usually toured Belgium, visiting winning fancier's lofts. I met, and was made welcome by hundreds of fanciers, including many famous names like Raymond Cobut, Leo Coudou, Willy Clerebaut, Henri Van Neste, Julian Matthys de Vichte, Georges Busschaert, Jules Gallez, Senator Lahaye, Dominic Roelandt, Van Biervliet, (both 1st Barcelona winners) Daisy Slots, Charlie Lapaige, Maurice Delbar, Pierre Dordin and scores of other famous names. I learned a hell of a lot from them, and handled thousands of bloody good pigeons, which included many, many real Aces. I dined at Georges Busschaerts' table on several occasions, and though he was not reckoned (in Belgium) to be anyone in particular, the men he bought whole rounds of YBs from (at £20 or BF2,000 each) were names of note. Gilbert, Nachtergaele, and others. That is where Georges Busschaert bought his name, and fame, for he was a born stockman and knew that what he was buying was the goods. Others, like Pierre Dordin did the same thing, but he bought only Blues or Mealies, Busschaert bought any colour so long as they came from good racing stock. I was the man George Busschaert made his now famous statement to, when I asked him how could he call these birds (40 YBs to a crate) "Busschaerts" when they came from lofts all over Courtrai and environs. He answered "Whose rings are they wearing? Whose loft are they in?" and when I answered him with "Yours" he then answered with a large, satisfied smile, "Then they're Busschaerts" The twin Coussemont Brothers who had been to fetch those YBs home smiled, and hefted them out of the Van without comment!

Nothing to do with eyesign, but since my comment at Post 303 (above) I have read all the rest of the 21 pages to date, and now know a little more of the various arguments, or debates, that make them up. "Mr Staf Van Reet" never came back, so who was the joker? It seems that nobody knows. Hardly worth worrying about now. In retrospect someone "started a hare" and it has proved an entertaining one too. I know Bill Carney well, spoke to him in the last year, but sadly he is not a well man. Jack Barkel is an old friend, I trust you go well Jack? Others among the debaters are old 'pen friends'. When are you coming this way again Alan ? My loft needs clearing, and there are some you might like to take to add to those you already have. All best, Cheers, Bill.

I discovered some time ago that Albear knows one hell of a lot about eyesign. In short he knows his onions ! I respect him for that immensely. His comment regarding the origin of the eyes shown on page one jogged my memory, I suspect I may have seen those eyes (or some of them) in advts by an Australian gentleman whose "Black Diamonds" would make anyone choke for eyesign. And they won out of turn too.

Nice to hear you are back on your wheels. Keep taking the tablets, Cheers, Bill.

When I came here to Somerset I saw a chap cadging funds at my local supermarket, allegedly to be paid to a "Wildlife Centre for Injured Birds of Prey". He declined to name the "Wildlife Centre", and since he was an out of work bird of prey keeper, he got no funds from me, nor from the Supermarket after I pointed out the facts of his "I.D. Card" being a fake, home made job, and the non-existent centre to the Manager. The local Law saw him on his way too. That gent had a habit of releasing a peregrine wherever he saw a kit of pigeons at exercise, until I pointed out to him that I could, and would shoot his peregrine if it attacked my birds. He blustered about the wildlife and countryside act, to which I replied that I have a copy of it, and I am aware that rung birds of prey are not protected because it is a "Domestic", and "gone feral" - if it attacks my bird, it is no longer a wild bird. This ruling also applies to foreign bred birds, Harris Hawks and the like, they are not native. Too many bird of prey "fanciers" profess to be in a privileged position, and to know the Law. They don't, or they try to bluff the fancier. Yes, British BOP are protected, but not for much longer, the whole damned biodiversity of British birds is so unbalanced now that Public opinion, not the "claimed" public opinion that the RSPB tries to flannel us with, will demand an end to protection of predators.

THE finest seed you can give to ANY form of livestock. I once reared a pair of squabs on Linseed, oats and nothing else. They were small, fast and very difficult to hold because their feather was so slippery, and they won at 214 mls as YBs, way back in 1947. If the birds won't eat it, mix it in with some Hemp and shake it about till the hemp flavours the Linseed. Cheers, Bill.

Usually seen in cases of acute Cocci infestation. Sulphadimidine will shift them. Read Dr Wim Peters' book "Fit to Win" for much more detailed advice on this subject. Cheers.

Why not use the RSPB "Recommended" system, of "taste aversion" ? What you do is to cull a pigeon, Pluck the shoulders and back of the neck, score the flesh with a scalpel blade, and dabble some Ant Powder (from Garden Centres) into the blood. Then lay the carcase outspread wings in the garden away from dogs/cats/children's reach (on loft top is OK). The taste of the ant powder is so foul that the hawk never returns for another, so no more problems. Seems to really put them off, forever ! Cheers.