white dove release

Where and when can doves be released?
Releasing doves outdoors is a year round venture. They do need to be released in good
weather. We will not release in the wind, rain, sleet, or with temperatures below 20 degrees.
Doves also need to be released 3 hours before sunset. This allows them to race home, get
cleaned up, and get themselves a bite to eat before it is dark. You would not want to go to bed
dirty or hungry would you?

What happens to the doves after the release?
Doves circle around a couple of times, climbing, higher and higher into the air. Flocking up as
they go. After a couple of circles, they gain their bearings and head home. These birds fly 60
mph, certainly beating the release coordinator back to the loft. These birds are racing birds,
often flying more than 300 miles.

Will the doves have an accident on my guests?
These birds are athletes and are fed strict diets at strict times. Our feed times are set so that
they correspond with the release business and racing schedules. Trust me we?ll save the
embarrassment for the cake eating.

Are the birds clean?
On a rainy day, you can stand outside and watch the birds in the loft. They stand in the rain,
fluffing, grooming each other, and stretching their wings. Basically good avian hygiene, therefore
they love the rain.
Water is provided to the birds for bathing in. Doves bathe everyday. Release coordinators
clean birds before each event. These birds get the very best care and pose no threat to humans
or animals.

What about bad weather?
Our birds will never be released during or before bad weather. This includes high winds, rain,
sleet, snow, electrical storms, or below 20 degrees. All deposits will be returned for acts of
god cancellations.

How far can they fly?
These are well-trained athletes at the top of their breed. They have been known to fly 600
miles. Olean to Indianapolis, Indiana that?s approximately the distance. Our release policy
limits us to about 65 miles; we do have a select few that have been trained for the longer
distance. All birds need training for proper releases. Beware of anyone wishing to ship you
birds for self-release. The chance of the bird?s survival is slim.

How do they know where home is?
We all wish we knew. Many theories abound. The famed sixth sense. The birds use an
unknown sense to hone in on their home. Some say they use polarity of the earth and the
position of the sun. Others say that it is their ability to recognize landmarks and ranges.
Training and breeding are the two most important human related factors.
My wife?s theory and my favorite are ? because they want to?. These birds are so happy in the
area of the loft. Freedom, comfort, safety. This is their life. Think about it, you go to work,
work all day, all you want to do is come home to that lounge chair.

When in the occasion are the birds released?
That is entirely up to you! We will make recommendations, work with your photographer and
you to provide another breathtaking moment.