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RACE REPORT HOTSPOT 2

Hotspot 2 from 237 km was raced on Saturday June 11th. The race was another fast one with a strong tail wind and crosswind at times. The daytime temperature was cool with clear skies. The highest altitude reached by a tracking pigeon was 1824 meters above sea level (870 meters above ground level).

There was evidence of a hawk attack on at least one of the tracker pigeons 019 which took evasive action as shown on the tracker results. There was a sudden drop in altitude, increase in speed and right hand turn where the pigeon flew 20 km off course before turning back on line for home. Map attached.

By the time the clock was stopped there were 4936 pigeons of the 5272 sent to the race. 6% did not return in race time.

Many of the later returning pigeons went with the wind and came back from the West flying into a headwind. The tracker birds generally came back in reasonable time but one which was an hour behind was 77 km offline down wind and presumably was with other pigeons until it broke off and flew back to the loft. See tracking results.

Another interesting observation is that tracker no 532 passed over the training point 103 km which is commonly used and then circled for 17 minutes before continuing on its course.

Super Ace entries are due in 3 days!   See this clip explaining the rules-  https://youtu.be/-dPvh1WHAc0  **(put your sound on)**

Congratulations to the prize winners for Hotspot 2!

Best Regards,

The Victoria Falls Team