This week on Word on the Wire, we’re covering some of the latest news and upcoming events from across the pigeon hobby.

We spotlight several outstanding pigeons from the NPA Grand National including champion Giant Homers, American Show Racers, Figuritas and the German Beauty Homer named Best in Show. We also recognize notable Racing Homers, Show Type Racing Homers, Saddle Homers, Oriental Frills, Classic Frills and Chinese Owls, along with their owners and exhibitors.

We also run through a packed calendar of upcoming pigeon shows across the United States and Canada, including young bird shows, all-breed events, specialty meets, auctions, sales and junior competitions taking place from September through December.

Plus, get the latest details on Pigeonpalooza, happening Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Snowflake, Arizona. This free, family-friendly event includes an All Age, All Breed Pigeon Show, pigeon and dove release, cooing contest, pigeon talent show, games, raffles, silent pigeon auction, vendors, food trucks and more.

Learn more about the podcast and Pigeonpalooza at:

https://PigeonPod.com

KEYWORDS: pigeon news, Word on the Wire, All About Pigeons podcast, pigeon shows 2026, upcoming pigeon shows, National Pigeon Association, NPA Quarterly Review, champion pigeons, fancy pigeons, racing pigeons, show pigeons, pigeon breeders, pigeon exhibitors, Giant Homer, American Show Racer, German Beauty Homer, Racing Homer, Show Type Racing Homer, Saddle Homer, Oriental Frill, Classic Frill, Chinese Owl, Figurita, young bird show, all breed pigeon show, pigeon auction, pigeon club, Pigeonpalooza, Pigeonpalooza 2026, Snowflake Arizona

#AllAboutPigeons #WordOnTheWire #PigeonNews #PigeonShow #PigeonShows #ShowPigeons #FancyPigeons #RacingPigeons #PigeonBreeders #PigeonFanciers #NationalPigeonAssociation #NPA #ChampionPigeons #PigeonPalooza #PigeonPalooza2026

In this episode of All About Pigeons, Kerby joins us to explore the history and uncertain future of the North American Roller, a rare flying pigeon strain whose story has been passed from one dedicated fancier to another.

We discuss what separates the North American Roller from the Birmingham Roller, including its ability to fly high and remain in the air for long periods, sometimes continuing into the night. Kerby also shares the stories of influential fanciers such as Les Manz, Chan Grover, Charlie Hubbs, Arthur Karp, and George Stevens, whose knowledge and devotion helped preserve these pigeons through the years.

The conversation also examines the devastating adenovirus outbreak Kerby experienced in 2023, the danger of this historic strain disappearing, and his efforts to place birds with committed new fanciers who can carry it forward.

This is more than the story of a pigeon strain. It is a story about mentorship, memory, loss, and the responsibility of preserving a living piece of pigeon history before it is gone.

Learn more about All About Pigeons at www.pigeonpod.com.

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In this episode of All About Pigeons, we travel across the world to Kerala, India, for a conversation with Mookee breeder Sham of the Mookee Fanciers Association.

Sham introduces us to the ancient Indian Mookee pigeon, a fascinating breed known for its distinctive markings, proud posture, and characteristic neck shaking movement. We discuss the growing community of specialty pigeon clubs in India, how Indian breeders are learning about show standards and color genetics, and the work being done to improve and preserve their native breeds.

We also explore the challenges of keeping pigeons in Kerala’s intense summer heat and lengthy monsoon season, the limited availability of pigeon medicines and imported birds, and the traditional remedies some Indian fanciers use to care for their lofts.

From Mookees and Indian Fantails to highflying competitions and native breeds rarely seen outside the country, this episode offers a fascinating look inside India’s growing pigeon hobby and the passionate young breeders helping to shape its future.

Learn more about All About Pigeons atwww. pigeonpod.com.

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In this episode of All About Pigeons, we explore squabbing, the centuries old practice of raising pigeons for meat. Learn what a squab is, which pigeon breeds have traditionally been raised for food, how breeding pairs and young birds are managed, and why squab was once a common part of American agriculture and fine dining.

We also discuss the history, purpose, and modern reality of utility pigeons while taking an honest and educational look at a part of pigeon keeping that is rarely discussed today.

squabbing pigeons Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BgUpiP49U/

www.pigeonpod.com

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Balfouri, administrator of the Facebook group Pigeons Make the Perfect Pet, joins me to discuss keeping pigeons as companions and shares helpful advice for new pigeon owners. We also tackle the divisions between different parts of the pigeon hobby and why racers, rollers, breeders, pet owners, adopters, and rescuers need to come together as one pigeon community.

Pigeons as Pets Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EGahXXbzX/

All About Pigeons:
https://www.pigeonpod.com/

Hashtags:
#PetPigeons #PigeonsAsPets #PigeonCommunity #PigeonCare #PigeonRacing #RollerPigeons #PigeonRescue #PigeonHobby #AllAboutPigeons #PigeonPodcast

We’re returning to the show pen for another special compilation featuring conversations about fancy pigeon breeds. Experienced breeders and exhibitors share the history and defining characteristics of their breeds, along with advice on breeding, conditioning, judging standards and preparing pigeons for competition.

Whether you raise fancy pigeons, exhibit at shows or simply enjoy learning about the incredible variety found throughout the pigeon hobby, this extended episode brings several informative conversations together in one place.

Learn more and support the All About Pigeons nonprofit at:

www.pigeonpod.com

Hashtags

#AllAboutPigeons #FancyPigeons #ShowPigeons #PigeonBreeds #PigeonPodcast #PigeonBreeding #PigeonShows #PigeonStandards #PigeonJudging #ExhibitionPigeons #PigeonFanciers #PigeonHobby #RarePigeons #PigeonGenetics #Aviculture #BirdBreeding #PigeonCare #PigeonCommunity

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Keywords

Brad Stuckey, president of the German Modena Association, joins us to explore the history of the German Modena, its lively personality, breeding and showing, and the incredible variety of colors and markings found within the breed. Brad also explains what separates German Modenas from other Modena breeds and offers advice for anyone interested in getting started.
German Modena Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/germanmodena/
National Pigeon Association: https://www.npausa.com/
All About Pigeons: https://www.pigeonpod.com/

Hashtags:
#GermanModena #GermanModenaPigeon #ModenaPigeon #FancyPigeons #ShowPigeons #PigeonBreeding #PigeonGenetics #PigeonHobby #PigeonPodcast #AllAboutPigeons

Keywords:
German Modena pigeons, German Modena Association, Brad Stuckey, Modena pigeon history, breeding German Modenas, showing German Modenas, German Modena colors, Gazzi pigeons, Schietti pigeons, fancy pigeon breeds, show pigeon breeding, pigeon genetics, hen pigeons, National Pigeon Association, All About Pigeons podcast

What separates a group of Birmingham Rollers from a true championship team? In this episode, Rick Mee returns to the show to break down the advanced principles behind breeding, training, feeding, and managing competition rollers. We discuss why teamwork matters more than individual performers, how family breeding influences kit performance, the role of feed and conditioning before competition, and why flying your birds too often can actually hurt their performance. Whether you're just getting started or chasing a World Cup qualification, this episode is packed with practical insights from one of the most respected voices in the roller hobby.

www.pigeonpod.com

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Keywords:

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Racing pigeons is a sport built on dedicated fanciers, remarkable birds, and generations of accumulated knowledge. This compilation episode brings together five conversations from the All About Pigeons podcast that explore key aspects of the racing pigeon hobby.

Topics include introducing young people to the sport through 4-H programs, the role of electronic hand scanning technology in modern competition, the challenges of long-distance racing, the principles behind effective racing loft design, and the organization required to operate a successful pigeon racing club.

Whether you're an experienced racer, considering entering the sport, or interested in learning more about competitive pigeon racing, this collection offers insight from knowledgeable guests representing a wide range of experience within the hobby.

www.pigeonpod.com

Keywords:

racing pigeons, pigeon racing, homing pigeons, racing pigeon loft, pigeon loft design, 4-H pigeons, youth pigeon racing, electronic timing system, ETS, hand scanning, long distance pigeon racing, pigeon clubs, pigeon sport, racing loft management, pigeon podcast, All About Pigeons, pigeon breeding, pigeon fanciers, homing pigeon training, competitive pigeon racing

Hashtags:

#AllAboutPigeons #PigeonRacing #RacingPigeons #HomingPigeons #PigeonPodcast #PigeonLoft #LoftDesign #PigeonClub #LongDistanceRacing #4H #Aviculture #PigeonBreeding #PigeonFanciers #CompetitivePigeonRacing

In this episode, Phillip sits down with artist and pigeon advocate Tina "Mother Pigeon" Pina to discuss her unique approach to changing public perception of one of the world's most misunderstood birds. Through handmade pigeon sculptures, public art installations, puppet shows, children's programs, and her unforgettable street performances, Mother Pigeon has become one of the most recognizable voices for pigeon advocacy.

The conversation covers everything from New York City's feeding restrictions and public attitudes toward pigeons to creative activism, educating children, using humor instead of anger, and even the surprisingly entertaining idea behind her growing "Pigeon Religion."

Whether you're a longtime pigeon fancier or simply curious about why these birds inspire such passion, this episode offers a fresh perspective on compassion, creativity, and standing up for animals that rarely have someone speaking on their behalf.

https://www.instagram.com/motherpigeonbrooklyn/

www.pigeonpod.com

Hashtags

#AllAboutPigeons #Pigeons #MotherPigeon #PigeonAdvocacy #PigeonPodcast #BirdPodcast #BirdLovers #UrbanWildlife #WildlifeConservation #AnimalAdvocacy #PigeonArt #StreetArt #NewYorkCity #BirdEducation #PigeonFacts #FeralPigeons #RockDove #BirdRescue #CompassionForAnimals #PigeonCommunity #BirdWatching #NatureEducation #WildlifeArt #AnimalWelfare #Podcast

Keywords

All About Pigeons Podcast, Mother Pigeon, Tina Pina, Mother Pigeon Brooklyn, pigeon advocacy, pigeon activist, pigeon art, pigeon artist, New York pigeons, Brooklyn pigeons, urban wildlife, feral pigeons, rock doves, pigeon conservation, pigeon education, feeding pigeons, pigeon laws, pigeon myths, pigeons and disease, public perception of pigeons, wildlife advocacy, animal advocacy, bird lovers, bird podcast, pigeon history, pigeon facts, pigeon community, pigeon hobby, pigeon fanciers, pet pigeons, fancy pigeons, racing pigeons, roller pigeons, homing pigeons, pigeon sculptures, street performance art, children's bird education, wildlife education, compassion for animals, bird conservation, wildlife podcast, Mother Pigeon interview, Tina Pina interview, pigeon religion, Brooklyn artist, urban birds, city wildlife, All About Pigeons