‘Racehorses of the sky’ launch from NY rooftops focus 05/27/2010

‘Racehorses of the sky’ launch from NY rooftops

focus 05/27/2010 NEW YORK — A handful of pigeons circling the drab streets of New York’s suburbs gives no idea of the drama being enacted in the skies over the Big Apple this summer. These are not ordinary pigeons, the flying rats of urban speak. They’re homing pigeons, winged racers who’ll literally give their lives to cross the finish line. “They’re the racehorses of the sky,” as Peter Fusco, a 41-year-old pigeon keeper, from the borough of Staten Island, puts it. Pigeon racing is little-known, but deeply rooted in New York. So while the sport may have sharply diminished in popularity over recent years, old-timers and younger enthusiasts like Fusco will ensure that this year’s racing season is as fiercely contested as ever. Keepers, known as fanciers, train their athletes in a game of daring, navigation and endurance. Released hundreds of miles from their home coops, the pigeons brave hawks, storms and deadly power lines to return. Many die. “They have heart,” Fusco said. “I have birds come home with broken feet, busted keel, and they still made it home.”.... MORE   Source:  The Daily Tribune URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20100527com3.html

COMMENTARY EDITORIAL No transparency, no honesty FRONTLINE A good start focus ‘Racehorses of the sky’ launch from NY rooftops MR. EXPOSE Binay wins BLURBAL THRUSTS Kris by a mile VIEWPOINTS Congratulations and lamentations VIEWPOINTS Torch at the center