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Tag Archives: pigeons

Bird’s Eye View

‘Sprint’ is probably the fastest most  powerful pigeon we have.  However, he tends to spend some nights away from home.  I have no idea where he goes… Unfortunately, it means I can’t use him for Project Bird’s Eye.  

I have added a new page.  I chose Neubronner as the name of the loft, named after the pioneer of aerial photography using pigeons.  Have a look and check again for updates.  I hope you find it interesting – even if you have no interest in pigeons.  

I’ve been thinking and planning this since last summer. I can’t wait for the potentially fascinating findings.

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Morning Dance

It’s a beautiful morning with blue skies and a gentle breeze.  Plants and animals are just as grateful as we are for this wonderful time of the year.  These two pigeons refused to land after taking off this morning.  They were dancing in the air for quite some time.

Wishing everyone a happy start to the week.

Homing

After months of reading, learning and planning, today was the day!  This morning we walked just under a mile away from our house and released three homers.

The weather is much better these days and we all took part which made it feel like a special event.  Yousef opened the basket and Noor held it in place.  Um Yousef and I watched and I managed to take these three photographs.

The first bird out was a little reluctant (see photo on the right), but all three were soon high in the sky.  I am yet to see them back home.  I think they’ve been and gone again.

Overall I’m happy to announce a success.  We have lunch with the whole family at my father’s every Friday.  My intention is to build up the distance until we reach a release from there (10km away) some time in February. Watch this space.

Get Mr Brown a Cigar

Meet Mr Brown, Noor’s favorite pigeon.  In this photograph he looks a little evil, but he’s actually a lovely and friendly bird. My camera lens is invading his space, hence the temper.

You see, today he is a proud father of a new chick (if you look carefully, you can just see a bit of baby Brown) and tomorrow the second egg will hatch.

Personally, I only want to keep a few homing pigeons.  I don’t race but I am fascinated by their amazing navigation and flying skills.  The children however have other ideas – and of course I have to listen 🙂  On days like this, I’m glad I do.

Good Morning

 

The weather is finally breaking.  I spend ten minutes now and then feeding our pigeons on the roof.  This was the first sunrise worth photographing.  I took this last Thursday.  Today started off as a lovely morning with some drizzle, but unfortunately it turned into a very dusty day.  Patience Kuwait! A few more days and we will get there.

A few of our pigeons are lazy.  They spend most of their time inside the loft – and only step out for a sun-bath and a stretch.  The homing pigeons on the other hand are like little athletes.  Three of them are on their morning sprint before breakfast. They fly for about ten minutes at lightning speed. They are now getting used to our house and will soon be ready for their first trip! Can’t wait.

Old Habits Die Hard

Even though we have pigeons at home, we’ve been Londoners long enough to know not to feed the city’s feral pigeons.  With mixed feelings, I also understood the decision to reduce (remove) the pigeons at Trafalgar Square. 

However, everytime I go past the place, I remember the good old days of not being able to wear a white shirt.  With all the health concerns, it’s nice to see the odd stubborn resident around.

New Life

It doesn’t matter how many times I’ve seen this on TV nor the fact that I’ve learned about it at such a young age – it is simply fascinating.  The egg hatched at 14 days.  Welcome to the new addition.  We’re thinking of names.  Suggestions please.

   

Flying Home

The birds are happier with their new environment and are enjoying flying around Mangaf.  They are slowly building their courage to go further and further out.  This is one of them returning for the evening feed.

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Come Fly With Me …

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Our pigeons were finally released yesterday.  I gave them a month or so to get used to their new home.  It seems they know where they are now and they’re happy here.  They all returned by sunset.  It’s a great feeling to be able to keep birds without confining them against their will. 

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Love is in The Air…

 

This is the latest family to move in on our road. It’s official – we now have pigeons. Welcome to your new home.

Update 29 05 2008: Nest is ready with one egg.  Parents eating more.

 

Update 31 05 2008: Two eggs in nest.  Male and female take turns for incubation.

Update 26 06 2008: The original eggs were left and a new egg is now being cared for.  Expecting the second in the next few hours.  The first set of eggs are just sitting there now.  I don’t want to disturb them further, so I will let them decide what to do.