RACE FOR LIFE BETWEEN A PIGEON AND SEA EAGLE.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXXIV, Issue 11217, 6 May 1899, Page 5

RACE FOR LIFE BETWEEN A PIGEON AND SEA EAGLE.

The passengers on the ferry-boat Piedmont from Oakland were (says the San Francisco Chronicle) treated to a speed test between a sea eagle and a carrier pigeon, in which the smaller bird won by saving its life. When the boat was opposite Goat Island, P. H. Sohlotzhauer, a pigeon fancier of Alameda, released five birds. Among them was tbe famous five-year-old Homer Duke pf Richmond, who has proved his right to a title of nobility in more than a score of long-distance flights. The pigeons rose into the air and circled several times. Four of them towards tbe east, but the fifth, which was the Duke of Riohmond, was seen to flirt and drop towards the Piedmont. Then the passengers made out that the pigeon was being pursued by a large bird. The two birds were at an elevation of 1000 ft when the ohase began, with the carrier a short distance ln the lead. As if by lnstinot he dropped straight for the place where his master had released him, and lauding on the ladies', deok of the Piedmont, flattered through the cabin door. The sea eagle was so confident that it would strike its prey tbat it did not check its pursuit until within 10ft. of the rail of the ferryboat. Then it wheeled suddenly, and, hovering about the stern of the boat for a fey** moments, winged its way baok towards Goat Island. Once inside the cabin, the frightened pigeon ran down the aisle until it came to a passenger reading a newspaper. As if sure of protection, it flattered up to his side and perched on tbe arm of his seat. There it was oanght by Sohlotzhauer and safely caged. Sohlotzhauer is convinoed that the old bird in his many flights has had previous experience with hawks, and knew enough not to trust to his fleetness of wing iv the race for life.