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Now that is flying
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2026 7:04 pm
by Devo1956
2003 true story of Billie the British racing pigeon. After getting lost during a 375-mile race from France to Liverpool, the bird accidentally crossed the Atlantic and landed in Staten Island. To get back to his loft in Liverpool, the "pooped pigeon" truly flew 1st class, earning a complimentary flight home courtesy of British Airways.
True or false.?
Re: Now that is flying
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2026 7:10 pm
by king
Devo1956 wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2026 7:04 pm
2003 true story of Billie the British racing pigeon. After getting lost during a 375-mile race from France to Liverpool, the bird accidentally crossed the Atlantic and landed in Staten Island. To get back to his loft in Liverpool, the "pooped pigeon" truly flew 1st class, earning a complimentary flight home courtesy of British Airways.
True or false.?
Probably true. As I've read many stories of birds ending up many miles from home. Usually getting reported very close to ports where the ship that took them there docked.
Re: Now that is flying
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2026 8:34 pm
by Diamond Dave
I've had several amazing holidays on the Scilly Isles.
There is/was a lovely lady who collected birds from all over the islands that had gone wrong from France.
She had a regular slot with the helicopter that served the islands to repatriate these birds to the mainland.
So consistent was this lady that the RPRA recognised what she was doing and paid for her to have a loft built.
Re: Now that is flying
Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2026 8:37 pm
by Devo1956
Diamond Dave wrote: Sat Jun 13, 2026 8:34 pm
I've had several amazing holidays on the Scilly Isles.
There is/was a lovely lady who collected birds from all over the islands that had gone wrong from France.
She had a regular slot with the helicopter that served the islands to repatriate these birds to the mainland.
So consistent was this lady that the RPRA recognised what she was doing and paid for her to have a loft built.
Good to hear that Dave, very nice to hear.
Re: Now that is flying
Posted: Sun Jun 14, 2026 7:27 am
by Diamond Dave
Not sure if she is still there Dev or still collecting the strays but the helicopter service packed up about 5 or more years ago, so I don't know if she's still doing it.
There were often birds all over the islands after an East wind race from France and she would collect some 30/40 pigeons at a time.