In the Northeast, the racing season for pigeons born this year — a.k.a. young birds — begins in August and runs through late October. Birds more than 1 year old race in the spring and fly farther, sometimes 500 miles or more.
The sport is more prominent in warm-weather states like Florida and Texas. But the Central Jersey Combine, which coordinates the local competitions, has clung to its standing as one of the country’s largest pigeon-racing organizations, said Gene Yoes, a retired lawyer who trains pigeons in Montana and publishes Racing Pigeon Digest, a national magazine.
The start of the competition — the so-called liberation — can be as tense as it is spectacular.
The birds soar and hook, undulating across the sky before orienting east toward home. On a good day, they will fly about 60 miles per hour, although champions with the benefit of a strong tailwind have reached speeds of nearly 100 m.p.h.
This year, Daniel Quinn is Central Jersey’s designated liberator, a title he said can draw quizzical looks.
“It sort of has its moments,” Mr. Quinn said of the $425 overnight gig, which he took on last year and which supplements his income hanging drywall. “I started out just emptying the old crates out of the trailer. The liberator that was there quit, so they asked me if I could go.”
On race-day Sundays, Mr. Quinn, 61, sleeps overnight in the cab of a truck that can hold crates for more than 4,000 birds. Soon after dawn, he and the driver use levers to release the contestants more or less at once during the roughly 20 races held each year.
The first race of the 10-week young bird season began at the Flying J truck stop in Frystown, Pa. From there, the pigeons traveled different routes and distances to reach their home coops.
An average flight speed is calculated with the individual distance traveled by a bird and the time it took. Birds with the fastest pace are crowned the winner.
“When they come home, it’s just a beautiful thing,” said Vinnie Torre, whose coop in Wayne, N.J., Hillside Loft, is named for his father’s old barbershop in Hoboken. “It’s therapy, actually.”
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
Thank you guys so much for allowing me the opportunity to love these birds.