Pigeons on display at British Homing World Show of the Year
- Published
People come from all around the world to see homing pigeons compete at an annual event in Blackpool. Event organisers say it is one of the largest pigeon shows in the world attracting up to 150,000 people . People who race pigeons are known as 'pigeon fanciers'
There are plenty of pretty fancy pigeons at the event - look at this one getting the star treatment
Homing pigeons are released far away from where they live and are then timed to see how quickly they can fly home. This one looks like it has strong wings, which is just as well. The birds sometimes travel hundreds of miles in their races
Homing pigeons are thought to be able to navigate by using a combination of the position of the Sun, the Earth's magnetic field and their sense of smell. Because of their amazing abilities they are very valuable. The most expensive can cost thousands of pounds, but this one is on sale for £150
About 2,000 birds are judged by the experts and if they meet the required standard, they can win a colourful rosette
This is one proud pigeon and it deserves to look smug because it is the Supreme Champion of 2024
