Ashley and Garrett Clarke of Cottonwood are just a couple of students at Evergreen, however, upon joining the Bowman 4-H group, they became pigeon racers. Both race in the junior division, which is for anyone under 18.
According to their mother, Mary Ann Clarke, when they were going through the list of different projects her children could choose from, pigeon racing really stood out.
“When they signed up for 4-H last year, we looked over the list and I was surprised to see pigeon racing. We thought it would be good family time,” said Mary Ann Clarke.
According to Garrett Clarke, his father, Mark Clarke, started raising pigeons and doves when he was a kid and fell in love with pigeons.
Ashley, a sixth grader, said her friends think it’s really cool that she races homing pigeons, while Garrett explained what his friends thought.
“They think it’s awkward, and then I explain they have all kinds of homing instincts. Then they think it’s really cool,” said the eighth grader.
According to Mark Clarke, even though the pigeon racing season is over for the year, his children finished in the top 10 percent in most of their races.
On the Sept. 24 race from Colburg, Ore. to Cottonwood, Ashley was not only the winner in her division, but the overall winner.
Her bird flew a distance of 334 miles and beat the next closer finisher by seven minutes, said her father.
Then the following Saturday, Oct. 1, Garrett took first in the junior division, with his pigeon flying from Santiam River, Ore. to Cottonwood – a distance of 381 miles.
According to Mark Clarke, the winners are determined by whoever’s bird flies the most yards per minute.
Clarke added that they are part of the Red Bluff pigeon racing club, which has an open door policy to anyone interested in the sport.
“Walt Shaffer, the president, gave the children birds to use when we were first getting started … For children who don’t have the money, he will build them a loft and give them birds.”
“We also have an open door policy and will help anyone interested in getting into the sport,” stated Clarke.
For more information about racing, contact Mary Ann or Mark Clarke at 347-7071.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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