for those of you who -- like me -- may have been wondering how these races were organized, you can click the link below.

The Wikipedia entry even shows one of these racing clocks. Unfortunately, it seems that the pigeon timing -- like automotive and human timing -- has also gone electronic.

Nic: which one of us should start the website for these vintage pigeon timing devices? Seems like it might be a good subject for the HeuerBoy website to cover!!

Jeff

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Traditional timing method




The traditional method of timing racing pigeons involves rubber rings with a unique serial numbers and a specially designed pigeon racing clock. The ring is attached around the bird's leg before being sent to race. The serial number is recorded, the clock is set and sealed, and the bird carries the ring home. When the first bird returns, its trainer removes the ring and places it in the Pigeon Racing Clock. The time that the ring was placed in the clock and is recorded as the official time that the competing bird arrived home. From this timestamp an average speed is measured and a winner of the race can be found.




Although serving its purpose, this method has proved somewhat problematic for a few reasons:





1. The pigeon's "official time" is not the actual time it arrived, it is the time the ring was removed, placed in the clock and recorded, which could be many vital seconds later.


2. Exceptional pigeons may arrive home first on multiple occasions; knowing it is going to have the ring removed speedily, which may be uncomfortable, the pigeon could be reluctant to enter the loft for the trainer.





Electronic timing method




The latest development and preferred method for timing racing pigeons is the Electric Timing System. Birds are fitted with an RFID transponder, and a clock is attached to a number of antennas. When a transponder crosses an antenna, the serial number of the transponder ring is recorded along with the time of arrival. This is very similar to systems used in human races.