Pigeon Fanciers Are Born Clock-Watchers

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28448, 30 November 1957, Page 5

Pigeon Fanciers Are Born Clock-Watchers

SEVERAL Christchurch men ° peered anxiously into the northerh sky. one afternoon last week. They were pigeon fanciers, patiently awaiting the safe return of their birds which were competing in a race from Napier to Christchurch. Patience is essential for a pigeon fancier, for although the birds usually return about their calculated time, they may encounter adverse winds or rain and then they may return many hours or even weeks late. Some birds fail to return from races. Their fate is unknown. A pigeon race comes to a sudden climax for the fancier. When he sees the bird flutter down to the loft there is a flurry of activity as the pigeon is caught and the time of its arrival recorded on a special clock. The clock is the most expensive part of the pigeon fancier’s equipment and usually costs about £2O. When the bird arrives its time of arrival is stamped on a piece of paper in the clock and the rubber ring from the pigeon’s leg is removed and locked in the clock.

Long Races The racing season for birds one year and over is held from September to December over distances up to nearly 600 miles. The longest race of the season for members of the East Christchurch club is from Whangarei to Christchurch. Birds race up to ages of eight years and start competing jwhen they are about five months. They begin training over distances of 20 to 30 miles and fly about twice a week until they are ready for racing from such places at Picton. The time taken in flight ;by the bird is the medium of judging races. During the races, for which trophies are usually supplied, the birds reach speeds of between 50 and 60 miles an hour. The pigeons usually fly very fast sqon after they are liberated, then slow down to a steady pace before speeding up again when they are nearing home. The birds are flown or railed to the point of liberation and are usually liberated by other fanciers in those towns. In the off-season, the winter ' months, the pigeons are often ] entered at shows. The birds are i fed on partridge peas, maize, rice ;or wheat. Pigeon fanciers often i have elaborate lofts for their birds. Such a loft is that of Mr J. A. Rhodes, of Woolston. 'The building, which is equipped ; with electric light and running 'water in the water dishes of the I birds, houses 74 stock and racing I pigeons.