Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
PIGEON RACING: Difference between revisions
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The Romans used pigeons to convey messages throughout the empire, for example Olympic games results for betting syndicates, and ships warning their home port of their imminent arrival. Carrier pigeons were held in high regard in the Arab world where they were called “The Kings Angels.” Pigeons were brought back to Europe by the Crusaders. (2) In the 1800s there was an official pigeon postal service throughout France. This was expanded between capitals. A postal service by carrier pigeon between London and Paris was advertised in 1870. (3) | The Romans used pigeons to convey messages throughout the empire, for example Olympic games results for betting syndicates, and ships warning their home port of their imminent arrival. Carrier pigeons were held in high regard in the Arab world where they were called “The Kings Angels.” Pigeons were brought back to Europe by the Crusaders. (2) In the 1800s there was an official pigeon postal service throughout France. This was expanded between capitals. A postal service by carrier pigeon between London and Paris was advertised in 1870. (3) | ||
Pigeon racing became a sport of the masses in the early 1900s. Pigeons were used as message carriers by armies on both sides during [[WORLD WAR I]] and [[WORLD WAR II]]. (4) | [[File:pigeon4.jpg|250px|thumb|left|A soldier attaches a message to a carrier pigeon during World War I.]]Pigeon racing became a sport of the masses in the early 1900s. Pigeons were used as message carriers by armies on both sides during [[WORLD WAR I]] and [[WORLD WAR II]]. (4) | ||
In many respects the sport has changed dramatically from the early days. In some areas, there has been little advancement. Timing clocks, designed at the turn of the century, are still in use in many clubs, while other members use modern, electronic and Quartz regulated timers. In England, rules evolved so that "the pensioner with a 1920s Toulet clock can compete on equal terms with the modern fancier having the latest in computer based technology." (5) | In many respects the sport has changed dramatically from the early days. In some areas, there has been little advancement. Timing clocks, designed at the turn of the century, are still in use in many clubs, while other members use modern, electronic and Quartz regulated timers. In England, rules evolved so that "the pensioner with a 1920s Toulet clock can compete on equal terms with the modern fancier having the latest in computer based technology." (5) | ||
Revision as of 05:00, 14 February 2015
PIGEON RACING. Racing pigeons are descended from the Rock Dove. The earliest recorded reference to the use of messenger pigeons comes from Ramses III (c1200 BC) when they were used to carry news between cities regarding the flood state of the Nile. (1)
The Romans used pigeons to convey messages throughout the empire, for example Olympic games results for betting syndicates, and ships warning their home port of their imminent arrival. Carrier pigeons were held in high regard in the Arab world where they were called “The Kings Angels.” Pigeons were brought back to Europe by the Crusaders. (2) In the 1800s there was an official pigeon postal service throughout France. This was expanded between capitals. A postal service by carrier pigeon between London and Paris was advertised in 1870. (3)
Pigeon racing became a sport of the masses in the early 1900s. Pigeons were used as message carriers by armies on both sides during WORLD WAR I and WORLD WAR II. (4)
In many respects the sport has changed dramatically from the early days. In some areas, there has been little advancement. Timing clocks, designed at the turn of the century, are still in use in many clubs, while other members use modern, electronic and Quartz regulated timers. In England, rules evolved so that "the pensioner with a 1920s Toulet clock can compete on equal terms with the modern fancier having the latest in computer based technology." (5)
The first pigeon races in England were conducted over relatively short distances using motor transportation. Long distance racing was made possible by use of the railway system. There have been occasions where the use of air transport has been suggested but, at the present time, the cost is too great. (6)
Pigeon racers may enter their birds up to twenty-five times a year on flights ranging from 150 to 500 miles. In races, the birds fly in a single-file line at about 50 miles per hour. (7)
Training begins as soon as the young birds can fly. Short flights are made around the yard. The distance gradually increases to a mile, then two miles. Eventually 50-mile practice flights may result in the pigeons beating the trainer home. (8)
When ready, the birds are entered in races against other competitors. All the pigeons in a race are transported in a special trailer to a location roughly an equal distance for all racers involved. Each bird is banded with an identification number on one leg and a radio module on the other. The bands are used to record flight times in races and to help racers recover lost birds, some of which can cost up to $3,000. (9)
Racing pigeons make hundreds of choices during a race. Running into a storm front, they can take a bad route around it or get off course flying around a large tower antenna. Directions can be confused in a crosswind along an unfamiliar hillside. Sometimes the pigeons simply fly off course or follow another racers' birds home. That can throw the birds miles off course. Hawks capable of catching a pigeon in flight pose the biggest threat. (10)
The longer the birds stay out, the hungrier they get. From experience, the birds know that after they fly, their lofts are stocked with plenty of high-protein bird feed, peanuts and water. (11)
The American Pigeon Racing Union sponsors a "Help-A-Beginner Program." The program is made up of volunteers who want to help beginners (2nd year flyers) with advice & possibly some birds. Program is meant to offer the novice the opportunity to ask questions of feeding, training, breeding, and medication. (12)
Qualification Requirements include:
The beginner must belong to an AU affiliated club & be an AU member in good standing.
The beginner must have flown one, and only one, old or young bird racing season.
The beginner must maintain a loft in a clean and healthy fashion that is not detrimental to the general image of the racing pigeon sport.
In Dubuque, Chad Blocklinger is an prize-winning pigeon racer. (13)
NATIONAL ACE PIGEON SUMMARY REPORT (Long Distance) (14) AU National Database 2014 Old Bird Season Printed on February 13, 2015 Qualified birds from Iowa
POS AVE UNIRATE NAME RACING PIGEON CLR SEX QUALIFYING RACE MILES
1 8.306% Chad Blocklinger 0095 AU 13 ER BC C 413,459,526
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Source:
1. "Pigeon History," Royal Pigeon Racing Association. Online: http://www.rpra.org/pigeon-history/
2. Ibid.
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. "About RPRA," Royal Pigeon Racing Association. Online: http://www.rpra.org/pigeon-history/
6. Johnson, Neil. "Pigeon Racers Turn Birds Loose, Sweat the Return. The Janesville Gazette Posted: 08/24/2013. Online: http://www.twincities.com/news/ci_23932385/pigeon-racers-turn-birds-loose-sweat-return
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.
12. "Help-A-Beginner Program," American Racing Pigeon Union. Online: http://www.pigeon.org/beginnerscorner.htm
13. Dr. Daryl Mozena. Interview. February 13, 2015
14. AU National Database Homepage. Online: http://www.pigeon-ndb.com/ndb.php