b.massey Posted May 22, 2012 Report Posted May 22, 2012 Hi guys Dunno if you's all seen that THE FIFER had put up to contact Jennie who is a journalist if we were experiencing BOP problems. I contacted her and here is my story thats getting put to local papers... Please let me know thoughts... Deadly nature reserve predators stop father and son sharing their beloved sport A Rosewell resident who has grown up racing pigeons fears for the future of the sport.Brian Massey has raced pigeons with his father since a child but says this tradition has been ruined by a growing threat to the sport. He and other local pigeon fanciers say the peregrines on the cliffs at Hawthornden Castle cause great reason for alarm. Pedigree pigeons and song birds are diet staples of the peregrine falcon. Brian Massey is 27 and has been keeping racing pigeons for 15 years. "This year I am missing 11 of my birds. One recently returned from a race with a slice along her body and lots of feathers missing from her wing" he said."This predation problem is ruining our sport - my dad has now decided to stop pigeon racing after 45 years, as he's had enough. "We've been racing birds together ever since I can remember." Brian keeps 60 racing pigeons and explains that there are seven pigeon fanciers with lofts in his village - all experiencing the same problem. He fears the escalating problem could mean the death of not just his birds, but the sport in five years. He says that peregrines attack by swooping under the pigeon so they always leave the same marks on the ones which escape - making victims of these attacks easy to recognise. Brian says that the damage done by these predators extends further. "Pigeons will panic and dive into the nearest area to try and escape - which sometimes results in them killing themselves by hitting the ground, trees or a building. "If the peregrine attacks a flock of say 30 pigeons while in their line of flight, they might only catch and kill one or two, but the others could end up damaging of killing themselves in their panic to get away. "Pigeons are also known to fly hundreds of miles in the wrong direction to escape, leading to exhaustion and getting lost." The pigeon fanciers in Rosewell keep around 500 pigeons between them, but Brian estimates about 4000 racing birds in the area to be at risk from the nearby peregrines which are capable of hunting a 15-mile radius. He believes that the installation of manmade nesting sites in cities and towns, to encourage peregrines should be stopped, or at least reduced, to allow racing pigeons safer flight paths. "Pigeon fanciers are bird lovers - we're not against birds of prey. We just want the peregrine population to be left alone to colonise more natural nesting sites. This would really help reduce the threat to our birds. Nature should be allowed to take its course." Brian is desperate for the impact of birds of prey on pigeon racing to be recognised: "We are extremely attached to our birds. Just like any cat or dog owner would be distraught if their pet was attacked or killed, so are we when are pigeons return attacked or worse still, dead." “The scale of the problem here means more of our birds will become a food source. Sadly, these birds of prey don’t discriminate between feral and racing pigeons. Brian explained that soaring peregrine falcon numbers in the UK are also having a detrimental effect on the population of other native breeds such as songbirds. In the 1960s, the peregrine falcon was almost extinct in Britain. Killed during the Second World War to stop them preying on messenger pigeons, peregrines then suffered the impact of pesticides. But new levels of protection and restrictions on pesticide have helped the bird of prey to recover. Peregrines are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act – however racing pigeons have no legal protection from the increasing threat from birds of prey. Rosewell pigeon fanciers say they need to let out their birds for exercise and training regularly - and the growing numbers of both peregrine falcons and sparrowhawks pose a direct threat. Many British lives were saved during World War II, thanks to the efforts of pigeons carrying information across enemy lines and concerned pigeon fanciers in the area think these birds deserve to be protected. Brian believes the racing pigeon suffers an unjust reputation. "They are far from being vermin. Feral and racing pigeons are a whole world apart."Pigeon racing is a long-standing British tradition; HRH The Queen is the patron of the sport and has around 200 racing pigeons in the royal lofts at Sandringham. There are about 60,000 fanciers in the UK who race their pigeons from April to September, using the winter months for breeding and husbandry. UK pigeon fanciers have formed the national Raptor Alliance to lobby for change in the protection of their racing birds. Currently, birds owned by the 60,000 pigeon fanciers in the UK have no legal protection against increasing attacks from soaring sparrowhawk and peregrine falcon populations.
Daisymay Posted May 22, 2012 Report Posted May 22, 2012 Hi guys Dunno if you's all seen that THE FIFER had put up to contact Jennie who is a journalist if we were experiencing BOP problems. I contacted her and here is my story thats getting put to local papers... Please let me know thoughts... Deadly nature reserve predators stop father and son sharing their beloved sport.A Rosewell resident who has grown up racing pigeons fears for the future of the sport.Brian Massey has raced pigeons with his father since a child but says this tradition has been ruined by a growing threat to the sport.He and other local pigeon fanciers say the peregrines on the cliffs at Hawthornden Castle cause great reason for alarm.Pedigree pigeons and song birds are diet staples of the peregrine falcon.Brian Massey is 27 and has been keeping racing pigeons for 15 years. "This year I am missing 11 of my birds. One recently returned from a race with a slice along her body and lots of feathers missing from her wing" he said."This predation problem is ruining our sport - my dad has now decided to stop pigeon racing after 45 years, as he's had enough."We've been racing birds together ever since I can remember."Brian keeps 60 racing pigeons and explains that there are seven pigeon fanciers with lofts in his village - all experiencing the same problem. He fears the escalating problem could mean the death of not just his birds, but the sport in five years. He says that peregrines attack by swooping under the pigeon so they always leave the same marks on the ones which escape - making victims of these attacks easy to recognise.Brian says that the damage done by these predators extends further. "Pigeons will panic and dive into the nearest area to try and escape - which sometimes results in them killing themselves by hitting the ground, trees or a building. "If the peregrine attacks a flock of say 30 pigeons while in their line of flight, they might only catch and kill one or two, but the others could end up damaging of killing themselves in their panic to get away."Pigeons are also known to fly hundreds of miles in the wrong direction to escape, leading to exhaustion and getting lost.The pigeon fanciers in Rosewell keep around 500 pigeons between them, but Brian estimates about 4000 racing birds in the area to be at risk from the nearby peregrines which are capable of hunting a 15-mile radius.He believes that the installation of manmade nesting sites in cities and towns, to encourage peregrines should be stopped, or at least reduced, to allow racing pigeons safer flight paths."Pigeon fanciers are bird lovers - we're not against birds of prey. We just want the peregrine population to be left alone to colonise more natural nesting sites. This would really help reduce the threat to our birds. Nature should be allowed to take its course."Brian is desperate for the impact of birds of prey on pigeon racing to be recognised:"We are extremely attached to our birds. Just like any cat or dog owner would be distraught if their pet was attacked or killed, so are we when are pigeons return attacked or worse still, dead.“The scale of the problem here means more of our birds will become a food source. Sadly, these birds of prey don’t discriminate between feral and racing pigeons.Brian explained that soaring peregrine falcon numbers in the UK are also having a detrimental effect on the population of other native breeds such as songbirds.In the 1960s, the peregrine falcon was almost extinct in Britain. Killed during the Second World War to stop them preying on messenger pigeons, peregrines then suffered the impact of pesticides. But new levels of protection and restrictions on pesticide have helped the bird of prey to recover.Peregrines are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act – however racing pigeons have no legal protection from the increasing threat from birds of prey.Rosewell pigeon fanciers say they need to let out their birds for exercise and training regularly - and the growing numbers of both peregrine falcons and sparrowhawks pose a direct threat.Many British lives were saved during World War II, thanks to the efforts of pigeons carrying information across enemy lines and concerned pigeon fanciers in the area think these birds deserve to be protected.Brian believes the racing pigeon suffers an unjust"They are far from being vermin. Feral and racing pigeons are a whole world apart."Pigeon racing is a long-standing British tradition; HRH The Queen is the patron of the sport and has around 200 racing pigeons in the royal lofts at Sandringham. There are about 60,000 fanciers in the UK who race their pigeons from April to September, using the winter months for breeding and husbandry.UK pigeon fanciers have formed the national Raptor Alliance to lobby for change in the protection of their racing birds. Currently, birds owned by the 60,000 pigeon fanciers in the UK have no legal protection against increasing attacks from soaring sparrowhawk and peregrine falcon populations. Anyone know how to fix that??? I just copied and paste from email?? Hope this works.
frank-123 Posted May 22, 2012 Report Posted May 22, 2012 Fantastic Brian really good effort hope a few more paper's run with it
b.massey Posted May 22, 2012 Author Report Posted May 22, 2012 Fantastic Brian really good effort hope a few more paper's run with it Thank you Daisymay Yeah fingers crossed Frank and hopefully fanciers can contact her through out the UK and let the ball roll for people to hear our story! Anyone looking to contact her please do so jennie@avalanchemedia.org
Pigeon Thos Posted May 22, 2012 Report Posted May 22, 2012 Hi guys Dunno if you's all seen that THE FIFER had put up to contact Jennie who is a journalist if we were experiencing BOP problems. I contacted her and here is my story thats getting put to local papers... Please let me know thoughts... Deadly nature reserve predators stop father and son sharing their beloved sport A Rosewell resident who has grown up racing pigeons fears for the future of the sport.Brian Massey has raced pigeons with his father since a child but says this tradition has been ruined by a growing threat to the sport. He and other local pigeon fanciers say the peregrines on the cliffs at Hawthornden Castle cause great reason for alarm. Pedigree pigeons and song birds are diet staples of the peregrine falcon. Brian Massey is 27 and has been keeping racing pigeons for 15 years. "This year I am missing 11 of my birds. One recently returned from a race with a slice along her body and lots of feathers missing from her wing" he said."This predation problem is ruining our sport - my dad has now decided to stop pigeon racing after 45 years, as he's had enough. "We've been racing birds together ever since I can remember." Brian keeps 60 racing pigeons and explains that there are seven pigeon fanciers with lofts in his village - all experiencing the same problem. He fears the escalating problem could mean the death of not just his birds, but the sport in five years. He says that peregrines attack by swooping under the pigeon so they always leave the same marks on the ones which escape - making victims of these attacks easy to recognise. Brian says that the damage done by these predators extends further. "Pigeons will panic and dive into the nearest area to try and escape - which sometimes results in them killing themselves by hitting the ground, trees or a building. "If the peregrine attacks a flock of say 30 pigeons while in their line of flight, they might only catch and kill one or two, but the others could end up damaging of killing themselves in their panic to get away. "Pigeons are also known to fly hundreds of miles in the wrong direction to escape, leading to exhaustion and getting lost." The pigeon fanciers in Rosewell keep around 500 pigeons between them, but Brian estimates about 4000 racing birds in the area to be at risk from the nearby peregrines which are capable of hunting a 15-mile radius. He believes that the installation of manmade nesting sites in cities and towns, to encourage peregrines should be stopped, or at least reduced, to allow racing pigeons safer flight paths. "Pigeon fanciers are bird lovers - we're not against birds of prey. We just want the peregrine population to be left alone to colonise more natural nesting sites. This would really help reduce the threat to our birds. Nature should be allowed to take its course." Brian is desperate for the impact of birds of prey on pigeon racing to be recognised: "We are extremely attached to our birds. Just like any cat or dog owner would be distraught if their pet was attacked or killed, so are we when are pigeons return attacked or worse still, dead." “The scale of the problem here means more of our birds will become a food source. Sadly, these birds of prey don’t discriminate between feral and racing pigeons. Brian explained that soaring peregrine falcon numbers in the UK are also having a detrimental effect on the population of other native breeds such as songbirds. In the 1960s, the peregrine falcon was almost extinct in Britain. Killed during the Second World War to stop them preying on messenger pigeons, peregrines then suffered the impact of pesticides. But new levels of protection and restrictions on pesticide have helped the bird of prey to recover. Peregrines are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act – however racing pigeons have no legal protection from the increasing threat from birds of prey. Rosewell pigeon fanciers say they need to let out their birds for exercise and training regularly - and the growing numbers of both peregrine falcons and sparrowhawks pose a direct threat. Many British lives were saved during World War II, thanks to the efforts of pigeons carrying information across enemy lines and concerned pigeon fanciers in the area think these birds deserve to be protected. Brian believes the racing pigeon suffers an unjust reputation. "They are far from being vermin. Feral and racing pigeons are a whole world apart."Pigeon racing is a long-standing British tradition; HRH The Queen is the patron of the sport and has around 200 racing pigeons in the royal lofts at Sandringham. There are about 60,000 fanciers in the UK who race their pigeons from April to September, using the winter months for breeding and husbandry. UK pigeon fanciers have formed the national Raptor Alliance to lobby for change in the protection of their racing birds. Currently, birds owned by the 60,000 pigeon fanciers in the UK have no legal protection against increasing attacks from soaring sparrowhawk and peregrine falcon populations.
THE FIFER Posted May 22, 2012 Report Posted May 22, 2012 yes give her something to work on, report to her if you have a strike, well done Brian,
Pigeon Thos Posted May 22, 2012 Report Posted May 22, 2012 Well done Brain - a perfectly worded article. I saw a DVD created by a Roslin man last autumn which featured the birds of the Esk Valley. I was particularly interested in the nesting peregrines which he had filmed in Roslin Glen from the building of the nest through the laying and hatching of three eggs and the eventual fledging of an additional three peregrines on your doorstep. Never did the film show clearly what was being fed to the young peregrines.
b.massey Posted May 22, 2012 Author Report Posted May 22, 2012 yes give her something to work on, report to her if you have a strike, well done Brian, Lost another YB yest... Never seen it but my club mate chapped door to inform me he watched it. Wee white flight hen He tried to set a firework off for the bang to scare but sadly never worked and another one goes to feed them BAST*RDS
b.massey Posted May 22, 2012 Author Report Posted May 22, 2012 Well done Brain - a perfectly worded article. I saw a DVD created by a Roslin man last autumn which featured the birds of the Esk Valley. I was particularly interested in the nesting peregrines which he had filmed in Roslin Glen from the building of the nest through the laying and hatching of three eggs and the eventual fledging of an additional three peregrines on your doorstep. Never did the film show clearly what was being fed to the young peregrines. Yeah every day the pair are coming over here for there free grub.... They had 3 young last year so maybe they were the ones filmed! What chance we got when 5 percy's are smashing into them every time there out! only the 2 adults again the now but will soon be they young again so we think its bad now but 2 months and tortured all over again
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now