The Climate Syndrome
(Internet Published) Oct 2000
Tipplermen, Rollermen, worldwide are in awe of such men of England and
Northern Ireland. They all do remarkably well but they have rather an unfair
advantage with the climate.
Around June, there is plenty of daylight at 4am until 10.30pm. The twilight
extended period in Britain has got to be seen to be believed.
Yet, it is not only the daylight factor -it is the temperature and the
weather. There are very, very few days in Britain when the temperature gets
to 90 degrees Fahrenheit, or 32 degrees Centigrade. On such days, the
Tipplers and Rollers do not do very well - at all. You men, who import such
pigeons, can never import our climate. Even in June there may be periods of
North or North Easterly breeze and this means a cool day, highly conducive
to flying. So often 60 degrees F (or 15 degrees C) prevails in Britain even
in June. No British kit of Tipplers ever created World records in more than
90 F - 30 C.
A visitor to Britain will notice the green grass, even in June. This is due
to the rainfall. Then comes a hot period of 90 degrees plus, and this always
means humidity in Britain, due to the moisture retained in the ground. This
is why Britain is a very, very green land.
No British Tipplers have ever been used to arid conditions and temperatures
of 100 degrees (110 F). No Irishmen, Englishmen, or Welshmen have experience
of 100 to 110 degrees F flying and neither have their Tipplers. No seeds,
feeds or expertise will ever overcome the disadvantages of climate outside
of Britain with British birds. As I have said we Brits have rather a very
unfair advantage.
Me? - Well, I cannot work, sleep or endure in temperatures of 90 degrees
plus. I'd rather live and work in freezing temperatures of a couple of
degrees below freezing and so would my birds. Heat and humidity I cannot
stand, and neither would my birds, not for flying and/or performing.
I've known British Tipplers and Rollers that flew and performed in rain wind
and cold, respectably. But I have nothing to say about flying in intense
heat and humidity because frankly I do not know.