August 8, 2010

Just looked outside, and bird #1393 was sitting on the landing board, waiting to get in!

I opened the door, and flipped up the trap to let the others out, and all 12 flocked up and flew a victory lap around the yard, then were joined by the blue team (after I flipped up their door as well).

The one that didn't make it home until today was one of the two that returned 16 days after the fly off I had back in May.

A breeder got out by accident and 9 of my babies followed if as it headed for Kentucky.

I did get 7 of the 9 back, during 2 1/2 weeks following. I truly believe that someone took a few of them in for a few days, since they did not come home starving.

August 7, 2010

Today we tossed the birds from Calhoun, 16 air miles from the house. This was around 1 pm.
A little girl from my class actually released one basket after their bowling season trophy ceremony, and my daughter released the second.

I went home and no birds. I didn't stress overly much, knowing they could be taking a long way home.
So I took the girls to band picture day.

At 4 pm, we were on the field, the photographer was taking the group picture, and I looked up and saw my birds circling over the high school (where they have been tossed 4 or 5 times).
There were only 10 of my birds, with a brown bird chasing the last one, trying to cut it out of the flock.
Several times the hawk took one of my birds out of the flock and tried to chase it away.
I was glad to see that the other birds kind of circled, until the separated bird was able to rejoin the flock.

There was nothing I could do, this was still 6 miles from home, so I just watched and hoped.

Once I did get home, I was glad to see 11 of my 12 were in the loft.
While not happy that one is gone, at least the others made it safely.
And who knows, maybe #12 will make it, if it went somewhere to safety.

Aug 6, 2010

Short toss from 1/2 mile to the south.
Both teams, in 2 baskets.

Birds beat me home.

Aug 3-5

Strong electromagnetic storms are keeping the birds close to home.
We're loft flying daily, but have stopped road training until things settle down.

August 2, 2010

Today I took the 12 birds of the Gold Team to Dellinger Park, about 10 - 12 miles.
Released at 3pm, and they were home just after I got home.

The two little squeakers that were first hatches from my loft are now loft flying and trapping.

Aug 1, 2010

Took Blue Team out to half a mile, with Gold Team.

I put 6 Blue and 6 Gold in each of 2 baskets, and let one basket loose, then while they were circling I released the second basket.

The two groups merged, and circled a few more times, before heading off towards home.

All made it home safely.

July 31, 2010

Went to Euharlee early today, so Gold Team got to fly.
Just over 10 air miles and they beat me home again!

I'm very excited with the progress of the Gold Team, and am glad that Blue Team has started their training.