The Plot Thickens

Remember my post about Bert and Ernie and their pigeons across the street? Well, summer is a very busy time for them. In early June they established a camp, of sorts, on the roof. Bert, Ernie and sometimes friends are in attendance almost every day. From loungers they use binoculars to stare at the sky for much of the day. Group meetings take place around a shaded table which looks perfect for cards and cool drinks. Their day starts early, usually before 8 and can go until dinner time. (Yes, I know I have too much time on my hands).

The other day, my housekeeper looked out the window and said, "Wow, they really do have a nice job." Thinking she was kidding, I replied with my theory about their unemployed status. "Oh no," she answered, "They are raising champion pigeons."

After closing my jaw, I jumped on the internet and began to do some research. It turns out that pigeon racing is a legitimate sport in this part of the world, and much of Europe. There is, in fact, even a Federation of Racing Pigeons branch in Serbia. The binoculars and bizarre staring into the sky seem to be an attempt to track and monitor the birds to find the best and fastest. I don't recognize any of the new members on the site or winners of recent competitions as my neighbors, but I'll keep my fingers crossed for them.