Those waiting for the Birds

Are you fond of speed, races and birds and are you looking for an exciting way to spend your days? Pigeon racing might be just what you are looking for! Jokingly called horse racing of the poor, pigeon racing started as a recreational activity for many poor workers and miners in Belgium in the 19th century, and has become a professional sport with a lot of money involved. The director is contemplating this sport today as she follows a handful of passionate pigeon keepers and racers, who dedicate all their spare time to their birds and the sport.

Social Interest

Pigeons are the oldest domesticated bird. The predecessors of modern day racing pigeons were pigeons bred for their homing ability, primarily to carry messages. Pigeon racing became popular in Belgium in the mid 19th century. The pigeon fanciers of Belgium began to develop pigeons specially cultivated for fast flight and long endurance. From Belgium the modern version of the sport spread to most parts of the world. The sport has recently experienced a downturn in participants in some parts of the world.

Scenes

Belgian miner tradition of pigeon fancying
In this clip, a pigeon keeper tells about his roots in the former Belgian mining area. Most of the miners used to keep pigeons and play with them. Nowadays, people don’t play anymore. The tradition of pigeon fanying is slowly losing interest.
Father and son playing the pigeons
Father and son keep pigeons together. The son, a teenage boy, doesn’t know other young players like himself. His father likes the fact that his son is also interested in Pigeon racing.
Getting ready for the pigeon match
In the pigeon club house, the pigeons are being put up for the pigeon race; they get their rings and are being shipped to the starting location in trucks.
Releasing the pigeons for the match
The pigeon escorts are getting ready to release the pigeons for the pigeon race.
First price pigeon: a serious matter
The first price winner of the homing race is getting offers for his first price pigeon from all around the world. The Pigeon Fanciers Federation is taking the match very seriously and is doing an anti-doping control.
Pigeons: big business
Pigeon races have become international business; in this clip, Filip Herbots talks about his professional accomplishments regarding breeding first price pigeons and producing pigeon food.
Pigeon fancier loving his pigeon
This old Belgian pigeon fancier shows us his pricewinning homing pigeon. He is so fond of this pigeon, he refused to sell it, and he states he wants to be buried with the pigeon.