Fascinating, exhilarating, and wallet-draining: racing pigeon enthusiasts find their fix at Europe's largest gathering in Dortmund. The pinnacle of the two-day event with a whopping 130 exhibitors occurred during the action-packed auction. The showstopper? A staggering 5,900 euros bid for a champion bird from "Team Kallen," a renowned German squad based in Moers on the Lower Rhine. The overall profits from this bird bonanza will boost research projects and benevolent causes in racing pigeon breeding across Germany.
Approximately 1,000 racing pigeons graced the exhibition, including the 27 "superstars" of the German Racing Pigeon Exhibition (DBA). These glittering avians will take to the skies in 2024 for the Racing Pigeon Olympics, held in Maastricht, Netherlands. The epitome of beauty is the female "standard bird," owned by a breeder hailing from Forchheim in Bavaria. Speed champions, bred by the esteemed "Team Kallen," come from Moers. Judging these magnificent fliers involves a detailed process that takes into account criteria like overall appearance, form, and strength, as well as flight distance.
Pigeon passion knows no bounds, boasting a dedicated following of around 25,000 members within the Association of German Pigeon Breeders. A veritable hit in the 1960s with over 100,000 members, racing pigeons have experienced a resurgence in popularity across Europe. Interestingly, Poland remains a stronghold for racing pigeons, with a lively scene revered by the pigeon-loving community.
Racing pigeons now hold a place of cultural importance, making it onto the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List as a testament to their continued relevance in leisure activities. Controversy surrounds the welfare of these birds during competitions, with critics suggesting they bear an excessive burden.
Beyond the confines of Dortmund, racing pigeon admirers flock to exhibitions in North Rhine-Westphalia for entertainment, proudly displaying their feathered friends. Moers, a North Rhine-Westphalia gem, is the breeding ground for Europe's speediest racing pigeons. A veritable racing pigeon superstar auction attracts bidders from all over Europe, driving up prices to impressive heights.
Those with a penchant for unique additions to their pastimes can occasionally secure rare racing pigeons through high-stakes auctions like the one in Dortmund. Enthusiasts from across Europe, such as those in Poland, attend these events in droves, eyeing prospective champions and rare specimens.
Racing pigeon breeding and exhibitions continue to thrive, with North Rhine-Westphalia serving as a pivotal hub for elite athletes residing in cities like Moers. This rich sportscape incorporates international competitions and auctions, providing the perfect stage for galvanizing the pigeon-loving community.
