Firstly, a quick report on Hotspot 1 from Wetherby 77 miles. The birds were liberated at 8am into broken cloud into a SW wind around 11mph; they cleared well and headed for home. 65 birds have returned home and I have collected one from Nottingham, L + M family. 24 D 25377. There have been reports of them not far from Wetherby – York, Brigg, Scarborough and Hull. I have made arrangements for these birds to get home, and when they do I will publish the ring numbers.
On the day the first pigeons came well, with 9 pigeons arriving together just after 10am. As they landed, a heron went over and scared them: one went in, but the other 8 flew up. They came back in to land a considerable time after this incident, and there were another 8 with them; these took the next 16 places.
By my own admittance, the pigeons were overfed for this race. My own nerves made me guilty, giving them enough fuel in case of any mistake, but this caused poor trapping within the first arrivals. Added to this was the fact the birds were concerned about the predators around, and had clearly had an issue with such creatures on route.
Moving on to Hotspot 2 Richmond, 114 miles: the aim is to go on Tuesday 13/8 – the weather looks nice. In preparation for this, the pigeons will go for a 30 mile trainer on Sunday afternoon, and will be basketed on Monday for Tuesday’s race.
Of the 5 pigeons which didn’t go to HS1, 4 of them will be fit to go to HS2 after Sunday’s trainer. These 4 went to the 16 mile spot today with some old hens I’m preparing for an old hens’ race, and made light work of it.
The one unfit for HS2, GB24N24388 entered by St John’s School, has no tail feathers at all; they’re just starting to pen up, and will potentially be okay for the semi-final, but will definitely make the final. It flies well around home with no issue, but I would not send a pigeon with no tail to a race.
Another update shortly.
Jonathan