Finally got one in the clock from what appears to have been a brutal race.
I sent my 2 cocks - 1 x 2yo and 1 x 4yo.
The 4 yo had been over the channel 8 or 9 times and the 2 yo 5 times.
In the week before liberation ( basketed Monday) I could see it was going to be a tough race with temps rising through mid France to 38 degrees on the day of the lib. If that weren't hard enough it was coupled with an East wind through most of France then turning right round to West on the channel.
I could see it was going to be a tough one when only about 20 birds were clocked in northern France on day one and these guys were likely only flying 450 miles at most. The Angleterre birds still had the daunting prospect of the channel and another 120 miles after that.
Nothing for me up in the shires on day 2 and I was beginning to think here I am again wasting my time, getting up at silly o'clock waiting for birds that never come, when at 7.15 on the 3rd day my 2yo cock came over the houses to clock 74th open and 3rd NE section.
Finally, got one in the clock from Pau after about 6 or 7 years of trying in earnest!
Day 3 doesn't sound brilliant but the conditions these birds had to fly through it is certainly very credible.
Not only that but he mustve beat 14 or 15 of M.Gilberts birds who apparantly sent 20 and only clocked 6 or 7.
Still waiting on my 4yo 'Dutch pied' but I am confident he will find his way home.
So chuffed with this bird but not really celebrating until the other one gets home.
Gotta say a big thankyou to you all for your help and guidance which has definately helped to get these birds to the race in the first place and also to get this fella in the clock.
Bicc Pau
Well done Dave. Really chuffed for you. Not many have got 50% returns. Only 113 of the 660 birds timed in. Don’t forget in internationals all birds must be verified and not just your first bird.
Back just enjoying club racing for the time being.
Reward for effort, Dave. I couldn't be more pleased for you. It's a day you won't soon forget.
Greetings from the land down under. 
Blessed is he who expecteth nothing, for verily, he shall not be disappointed.
Blessed is he who expecteth nothing, for verily, he shall not be disappointed.
Yes a hard one Andy. My mate has just 5/12 flying 616 miles. He's 2nd, 4th, 6th & 7th section. His first is 37th open.
Well done mateDiamond Dave wrote: ↑Mon Jun 23, 2025 8:53 am Finally got one in the clock from what appears to have been a brutal race.
I sent my 2 cocks - 1 x 2yo and 1 x 4yo.
The 4 yo had been over the channel 8 or 9 times and the 2 yo 5 times.
In the week before liberation ( basketed Monday) I could see it was going to be a tough race with temps rising through mid France to 38 degrees on the day of the lib. If that weren't hard enough it was coupled with an East wind through most of France then turning right round to West on the channel.
I could see it was going to be a tough one when only about 20 birds were clocked in northern France on day one and these guys were likely only flying 450 miles at most. The Angleterre birds still had the daunting prospect of the channel and another 120 miles after that.
Nothing for me up in the shires on day 2 and I was beginning to think here I am again wasting my time, getting up at silly o'clock waiting for birds that never come, when at 7.15 on the 3rd day my 2yo cock came over the houses to clock 74th open and 3rd NE section.
Finally, got one in the clock from Pau after about 6 or 7 years of trying in earnest!
Day 3 doesn't sound brilliant but the conditions these birds had to fly through it is certainly very credible.
Not only that but he mustve beat 14 or 15 of M.Gilberts birds who apparantly sent 20 and only clocked 6 or 7.
Still waiting on my 4yo 'Dutch pied' but I am confident he will find his way home.
So chuffed with this bird but not really celebrating until the other one gets home.
Gotta say a big thankyou to you all for your help and guidance which has definately helped to get these birds to the race in the first place and also to get this fella in the clock.
Excellent Dave, well done to you and your gallant bird.
One of our club members sent, he got one of his 4 at 2.15 on day 3.
Some very good fliers, still haven't seen a bird, and as you say, people like Mark Gilbert, Lee and Kevin Buddle, Clive and Gill Rogers and G M Preece that I know of, who still have a lot of experienced birds missing.
What struck me about the UK birds is just how long it took them come across the water !! With the birds hitting the French coast by 7pm on day one, youd have expected some early morning arrivals over here, yet it was gone 9am before the first UK bird was clocked, something put them off attempting the Channel.
Fingers crossed that a few more birds make their way home over the coming days.
One of our club members sent, he got one of his 4 at 2.15 on day 3.
Some very good fliers, still haven't seen a bird, and as you say, people like Mark Gilbert, Lee and Kevin Buddle, Clive and Gill Rogers and G M Preece that I know of, who still have a lot of experienced birds missing.
What struck me about the UK birds is just how long it took them come across the water !! With the birds hitting the French coast by 7pm on day one, youd have expected some early morning arrivals over here, yet it was gone 9am before the first UK bird was clocked, something put them off attempting the Channel.
Fingers crossed that a few more birds make their way home over the coming days.