April 26, 2011 at 9:05 am

Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion… Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

by twistedsifter

indian fantail rick schlais Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]
Indian Fantail by Rick Schlais

 

A recent post on Laughing Squid sent the Sifter on a mission to learn more about the National Pigeon Association and their annual NPA Grand Nationals. Not only is this sub-culture for real, but it is thriving!

With over 3,721 entries representing 26 breeds of pigeon, the 2010 NPA Grand Nationals held in Salt Lake City, Utah, drew over 271 exhibitors from every US State and Canada as well. Below is a collection of some of the winners from the Grand Nationals, in what I’m sure will be a first glimpse for many into this little known hobby.

 

2. Holly Cropper by Larry Jolly

holle cropper larry jolly Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

3. Pomeranian Pouter by Matt Williams

pomeranian pouter matt williams Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

4. Jacobin by Jim Ecker

jacobin jim ecker Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

5. ODC by Layne Gardner

odc layne gardner Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

THE NATIONAL PIGEON ASSOCIATION

 
Founded in 1920, the National Pigeon Association is an all-breeds pigeon club with an International membership. Encompassing all varieties of domesticated pigeons, the NPA promotes, educates, and acknowledges the efforts of fanciers in the continued development and care of our “favorite feathered friends!”

As an educational organization, the National Pigeon Association has produced numerous books, pamphlets, and magazines publicizing the enormous contributions the domestic pigeon has made to society. These contributions range from the carrying of messages for nearly all of the major ancient civilizations to helping mankind understand the fundamentals of genetics.

Charles Darwin and B. F. Skinner are scientific icons because of their association and study of the domestic pigeon. From fertilizer to gunpowder, the domestic pigeon has shaped the civilization we know.

Another significant contibutor to the hobby of pigeon keeping was Wendell M Levi, who has an NPA award named after him. Dr. Levi wrote one of the most sigficant works about all aspects of the pigeon hobby. His book, written originally in 1941 entitled “The Pigen”, made significant contributions to the pigeon hobby.

The NPA Grand National is the largest pigeon show in the United States. The Grand National is held annually in alternating geographical areas of the country. Showcasing over 200 breeds of fancy, exhibition pigeons, the Grand National frequently attracts nearly 9,000 prized, pedigreed Columbidae.

 

6. Bokhara Trumpeter by Tally Mezzanatto

bokhara trumpeter tally mezzanatto Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

7. Chinese Owl by John de Carlo Jr.

chinese owl john de carlo jr Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

8. Fantail by Amir Turkanovic

fantail amir turkanovic Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

9. Muffed ELF by Larry Deckert

elf muffed t larry deckert Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

10. Saxon Pouter by Tally Mezzanatto

saxon pouter tally mezzanatto Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

FOUND PIGEONS

 

Domestic Pigeons with individually identifiable leg bands are registered with one of several National Pigeon Organizations. If there is No band on its leg, it is a wild pigeon and does not belong to any pigeon fancier or club. If you find an injured pigeon without a band on its leg, and it cannot be released, contact your local Humane Society.

 

11. Budapest Tumbler by Mike Spencer

budapest tumbler mike spencer Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

12. Carrier by Kevin Heppner

carrier kevin heppner Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

13. German Beakcrested Trumpeter by Mike Cobb

german beakcrested trumpeter mike cobb Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

14. Komoner Tumbler by Darrell Sebastian

komorner tumbler darrell sebastian Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

15. Maltese by Noe Rodrigga

maltese noe rodrigga Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 
ALL IMAGES AND INFORMATION VIA NPAUSA.COM
 

16. Swiss Mondaine by Emily Isom

swiss mondaine emily isom Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

17. Bohemian Pouter by Ryan Bateman

bohemian pouter ryan bateman Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

18. Persian Roller by Brad Child

persian roller brad child Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

19. Cauchois by Jim Oldham

cauchois jim oldham Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

20. Schmalkaldnener Mohrenkopf by Pariseau Lofts

schmalkaldnener mohrenkopf pariseau lofts Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 
ALL IMAGES AND INFORMATION VIA NPAUSA.COM
 

21. Show King by Joe Neehercot

show king joe neehercot Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

22. Gros Mondain by John Heppner

gros mondain john heppner Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

23. Modena by Rex Arnold

modena rex arnold Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

24. Mookee by James Jensen

mookee james jensen Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

25. Nun by John Heppner

nun john heppner Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 
ALL IMAGES AND INFORMATION VIA NPAUSA.COM
 

26. Saint by Isaac Carillo

saint isaac carillo Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

27. Scandaroon by John Heppner

scandaroon john heppner Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

28. Classic Oriental Frill by Larry Jolly

classic oriental frill larry jolly Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

29. Pigmy Pouter by Tally Mezzanatto

pigmy pouter tally mezzanatto Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

30. Frillback by Tally Mezzanatto

frillback tally mezzanatto Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]

 

 

 

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25 Stunning Photographs of Birds in Flight

 

greater spotted eagle Bizarre Gallery of Grand National Champion... Pigeons!?! [30 pics]