2009.07.16
16JUL09--Red Pigeons
Today, one of my interpreters explained to me about a common Iraqi hobby: pigeon training.
My interpreter tells me that every large city will have pigeons circling the skies in accordance with their training. The flocks will likely contain 'hamrohwees,' which are red pigeons.
Apparently, Iraqis will buy pigeons at the market and then train them to fly loops around the city and then return. A keeper may keep one hundred pigeons, and part of the goal to is have other pigeons return with your pigeons, growing one's collection. This is especially true about the pigeons that others' train and keep.
Normal gray pigeons are not particularly valuable. However, various varieties can become quite expensive with some fetching $300.
Red pigeons, or 'hamrohwees,' are a less common variety. Their name literally stems from the color red, 'hamar.' The pair that I saw today had white streaks on their heads. Since they are impure, they may sell for $50 at the market.
This hobby might sound ridiculous, but it is no different collectors of pretty much anything.
A pair of hamrohwees perched on a t-wall.
The camera and the bright sun do not do these deep red pigeons justice.
That is really interesting! I wonder how in the world they teach them to come back?
Birds are very hard to photograph with regular cameras - I think you need special zooming attachments or something. You did pretty good, I think!
Comment by Michelle — July 17, 2009 @ 8:04 am
The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 07/17/2009 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
Comment by David M — July 17, 2009 @ 10:02 am
Michelle,
Thanks for the compliment on my photography skills.
My interpreter tried to explain to me how they tie the pigeons wings together and allow it to wander further and further from a cage where food is kept. He did not sound very sure of himself. Honestly, I think that there must be a lot of luck involved in this hobby, particularly if the trainers have the same attitude towards training that I have witnessed.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — July 17, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
I'm guessing these are homing pigeons, which are noted for finding their way back, even if released from a distant area. They have been used as message carriers during war and as a hobby for ages, as well as alibis for over half of the suspects in NYC cop shows on TV. If not, I guess they may just be hungry pigeons.
Comment by LarryS — July 17, 2009 @ 8:23 pm