Williams Family Loft

May, 2008

PIGEON TALK: Do you ever wonder why you spend so much time, money, and effort into your birds to hopefully get a win or a top spot on the race sheet? The simple fact is...we all want to be a winner and achieve our goals. I met such a group recently on a trip to Mississippi. I met a group of students and a teacher that just amazed me. Ronnie Shumaker and his Flying Tigers are on their path to success! Mr. Shumaker has taken his position as an educator and his passion for his hobby and used them to make a difference in the lives of these school children. His students are 3rd and 4th graders that must earn their privilege to be and remain a Flying Tiger. When a child receives a Flying Tiger binder it is a great achievement. It is a prize to be obtained by good behavior and passing grades. You would not believe how much these children can learn just by dealing with pigeons.

The class is very hands on covering math, spelling, English, science and so much more. The greatest gift I think that these children will take with them is an appreciation for nature and that someone cared enough to teach them in a way they could be reached. What a fun way to learn!!! Genius is what it is! I would encourage my readers to obtain a copy of the school projects DVD from the AU www.pigeon.org (free) and you will see in detail what they do. You may also visit their website...www.eyes-to the-skies.com. You will be amazed. If you would like to contact Ronnie Shumaker for more information on this project email him at newgroundfarms@yahoo.com. GO FLYING TIGERS!!!!!

WHAT I LEARNED:
A win is a win! We have had some really interesting races. Some birds you expect to come, but what about those birds that clock first and it is a total surprise? We have flyers , including ourselves that have won or placed high in tough races with birds that never really did anything on the race sheet. And the amazing part is that when they come, they are alone, making a show of being a super bird and not a follower. Could it be that they are the benchwarmers waiting for their moment? How dare we take that glory from them. We all have our special moments, regardless of how they come.

Enjoy your wins and remember the work that the birds do to give us bragging rights. Happy Flying!!!

FEATURED FEATHERS: "BIG BOY" AU 07 Delta Futurity 13067 BC.
We knew that it was just a matter of time for a win for this big guy. BIG BOY just gave the Williams Family Loft our 4th combine win of the OB season. He is a super pigeon from Byron's favorite breeding pair. KV-30 and Peacemaker! The Sire is a CBL- inbred Hercules cock bred to a GFL - Hofkens/Flor Engles Hen.This is one of those super families that will keep us on the front page of the race sheets. We are very proud of our BIG BOY!