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Naval History and Heritage Command

NH 121277 Carrier Pigeon "LIGHTNING", with over 10,000 miles to his credit

Carrier Pigeon "LIGHTNING", with over 10,000 miles to his credit
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Title: Carrier Pigeon "LIGHTNING", with over 10,000 miles to his credit
Caption: Pigeon "LIGHTNING", with over 10,000 miles to his credit in the official pigeon flight book. He flew from New Orleans, Louisiana, a distance of about 1050 miles to Anacostia, Washington, D.C. In 20 days, when he arrived his wings were badly damaged due to being injured by either a gun shot or being struck by a pigeon hawk. This bird is considered one of the very most reliable pigeons in the loft. He has homed from points north as far as Boston, Massachusetts, from the west as far as Nappanee, Indiana, a distance of 500 miles and from the south as far as New Orleans, Louisiana, a distance of about 1050 miles air-line. He made fifty-two flights from the Naval Air Station Hampton Roads, Virginia, a distance of 130 miles airline. Bred from overseas stock, note the broad chest and deep set shoulders.
Description: Pigeons
Catalog #: NH 121277
Copyright Owner: Naval History and Heritage Command
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Original Medium: BW Photo
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