WEEDSPORT -- A racing pigeon is now in Central New York after being blown off course during a race. Now, he needs a little help to make it back home.
Jerry Button says he was shocked when he found a pigeon in his backyard in Weedsport. He found a tag on the pigeon that said it was affiliated with the Canadian Racing Pigeon Association.
Button was able to get in touch with the pigeon's owner, Pete Voskamp, who lives in Canada. It turns out the pigeon, "Big Boy," is a 2 year old bird, who has placed in several racing competitions.
Because of border regulations, Voskamp says it would be difficult to transport Big Boy from the United States to Canada in a car. However, he says if someone sets Big Boy free at Niagara Falls, Big Boy would be able to fly across the falls and find his way home.
Now Voskamp and Button are looking for a volunteer who can bring Big Boy to Niagara Falls.
For now, Button is taking care of Big Boy. He says his experience racing pigeons has given him knowledge that helped in this situation.
"Being that I used to race pigeons, I had lost a few, too, but I never got anybody that ever contacted me," says Button. "So, I was happy to help somebody else who lost a bird, and you could see it was a good looking bird."
Can you or someone you know help Big Boy make it home? Post your comments below.
