In the realm of pigeon racing, recognised as a competitive sport, carrier pigeons engage each season in various tests of differing challenges, ranging from speed to long-distance events, within a schedule governed by the International Pigeon Federation.
One such event in 2024 featured a release from Sagres in southern Portugal, destined for Tenerife, where a pigeon known as Estrella partook in a remarkable episode.
Estrella, marked with the ring Esp. 207173-22, belongs to fancier Pedro Fernando Rodríguez Pérez, who resides in Tabares Valley, La Laguna. This pigeon was placed in its basket on July 10, 2024, along with other birds from Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and Gran Canaria, before being taken to the release site.
The competition took place on July 14, but during the designated time for participants’ return, Estrella did not arrive back at its loft.
An unexpected return
Then, on September 4, nearly two months later, Estrella was discovered by her owner at the entrance of the pigeon loft. Although she returned alive, she showed signs of having encountered considerable challenges. Of the ten primary feathers on her left wing, seven were in the process of regrowth, suggesting they had been plucked, which hampered her ability to fly.
Rodríguez consulted fellow pigeon fanciers, who concurred that the pigeon may have been held captive and that, upon being released, she successfully navigated the journey back home from southern Portugal to Tenerife, covering a distance of approximately 1,170 kilometres.
Pigeon racing is a sport that demands intensive training and a specialised bond between the bird and its handler. Homing pigeons, selected for their physical and physiological attributes, compete in sanctioned events where their endurance, navigational skills, and flying capabilities are assessed.
