The Scandaroon

The scandaroon is a breed of pigeon that originates from the Baltic area.

This is a nature tale from North Devon. Henry Williamson, whose experience of World War One was so devastating that he embraced a love of, and a dedication to the keen observation of the natural world. The result was classic stories of nature such as "Tarka The Otter" and this story, completed near the end of his life.
We are introduced to the world of pigeon fanciers, who breed tipplers and homing pigeons. We learn about the unkind practices of the fanciers who will interrupt natural mating and breeding habits of pigeons to produce a champion, not to mention the use of strychnine to destroy predators.
Hovering, as it were, over this world of enthusiasts is the show more fastest animal on earth, the peregrine falcon. This magnificent bird is known to reach 200 mph in a dive, and is a predator on all flying birds, none more so than the homing pigeon, itself capable of a mile a minute when fresh, but tired after a flight from Northern Spain.
This is a wonderful story, based on characters that Williamson met in and around the estuary of the Taw and Torridge Rivers at Bideford (also Barnstaple) Bay.
You are well advised to read "The Scandaroon". show less