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47 – Purebred PIGEON
knowing specifically why you placed the birds the way you did. And
also be ready to take criticism from some who didn’t agree with
the outcome, and be able to explain why you made the decisions
that you did. I judge whenever I can at our northeast shows, on
breeds I specialize in.
I wish others would soften up a bit and be willing to take the
hot seat of judging your breed. We all judge our birds in our own
lofts –then why not at the shows? Mostly because many really
don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, get anyone ticked off, or they
just aren’t ready for criticism. Step up people. You’ll have a great
time doing it. There’s a first time for everything and we all learn
from decisions good or bad. Take the leap and judge some birds
some time. You’ll be glad you did.
I’ve also been asked several times to judge breeds I didn’t
know much about because they didn’t have anyone qualified or
comfortable with doing it. In this case, I asked for their written
standard with pictures to study up on before the show came
around.
Don’t be afraid of a challenge. Go for it.
In this article I’m sending pictures of Wests I had back in the
1980s to see we had many colors and patterns. Back then I had the
balds, mottles, blues, checkers, almonds, selfs – and thanks to Jim
Krebaum, Sr. I had reduced, too.
Then there’s judging pictures from the Reading Pigeon
Association show, now it’s frequently called the Lancaster show.
Keep in mind many of these pictures were taken on the old Kodak
110 camera. So they aren’t the best.
I’d also like to mention that it’s no surprise that the 1st Dis-
trict in the National West of England Tumbler Club is not strongly
represented. You would think that with all the people and young
ones I’ve gotten started in the hobby and with Wests, they would
show interest in the shows – but its tough. Even with my annual
Loft Exhibit I get some started, and to no surprise, they usually
want to get started in Wests. It is what it is. The important part
is that I plant the seed of our hobby and get some started. Where
they take it is up to them, with a little guidance of course, but you
get my meaning.
If anyone has interest in the awesome Wests, feel free to
approach any of us at the shows or visit the Facebook West Group
and the club site. And if you’re in the northeast and showing inter-
est, reach out to me. The more members in our 1st district makes it
better to pick a show site for our district meet.
Next year we may be able to have our meet at the Faircount
Connecticut show in late November, the Big Apple in Greenwich
Connecticut in early December, or the Reading show in Lancaster
Pennsylvania in January.
Get Some Wests !!! You’ve Been Missing Out ! Enjoy your
birds to the fullest.•
Breed of the Issue – West of England Tumblers