10/20/2026
Story time.
Today I had the blessed fortune to fly a nice kit that was appreciated by the judge. The results were something that made me happy. But my anxiety was secretly brewing as we watched the kit. All I wanted more than anything else was for the kit to make it down so that I could stock Miss 300.
Many of you are familiar with the 300 hen. I’ve flown her for three years. She’s been the centerpiece of every competition kit I’ve flown since she was young. She truly is one of, if not the best all-around roller pigeon that I’ve ever bred and flown. A leader, pure trustworthy, exceptional spinner all of the time, just an exceptional pigeon. She is the boss of the hen kit box and has a unique personality that connects with me.
I was telling Ronnie this morning all I wanted is for her to make it back, this is her last time flying.
A cooper chased the kit during judging and they flew for 2.5 hrs with all sorts of birds scaring them. We all wanted to go to breakfast and I stopped while getting into my truck, trying to whistle the birds down. Something said don’t go. I told the fellas I’m going to have to pass, I need to make sure 300 gets home and in the box.
Another hour goes by, watching, whistling, waiting.
I walk into the house to grab a snack, walk back out and they are starting to land. Yes! Finally! Then….a red tail swoops in as they are landing and “poof”, feathers galore and I see a colored tail feather on the bird it grabbed. No, dammit, no! It was 300 in his talons 😡😭. I was in shock, stunned. I got the rest of the birds in, hoping I misinterpreted the loss, nope, she was missing. Dammit. Her perch for three years was empty. Miss 300 was gone.
Off to work I went, bitter and pi**ed. I didn’t get to enjoy the day of flying a great kit. All day and eve at work just stunned and bummed. I left the trap door open like some miracle would happen. My optimism was very low. As great as this day started, most of it really sucked to be honest.
When I got home this evening I prepared myself for the final look. Told myself, you already know the outcome, don’t get your hopes up. Headlamp on, walking like I’m anticipating if Santa brought me a bike or a sack of coal, asI arrived at the box I instinctively looked right to her perch. There she was! Holy s$&t! It’s her! The perch and wall splattered with dried blood. Somehow she got away! She cheated death! I carefully grabbed her, inspected her, nothing life ending. Whew! The relief was like a one hundred pound weight was lifted off my chest.
The day started off great, turned terribly sour then ended with a blessing. Words can’t describe how happy I am that fate was on her side. She will never fly again. But like her daughter who was also in that kit, her future kids surely will.
Here’s to you Miss 300, you tough old broad! You earned your retirement girl!
RIP - Retirement In Progress.
