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Racing pigeons

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Racing pigeons flies after being released from their racing boxes as they start their flight from Alnwick to their home lofts across Yorkshire and Humberside in northern England. REUTERS
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Pigeon owners react as the first pigeons arrive back during the One Loft race at Birtsmorton, central England. 1200 pigeons are entered in the loft during March $160 each and then trained by loft keeper Jeremy Davies. The race from Hexham to Birtsmorton is 203 miles , taking the winning bird around 4 to 5 hours with prize money totalling $87,000 and the winner receiving $31,600. REUTERS
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Racing pigeons are released from their racing boxes as they start their flight from Alnwick to their home lofts across Yorkshire and Humberside in northern England. REUTERS
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Pigeon fancier Katie Ad was releases a pigeon at her loft in Knayton, northern England. Topcliffe club secretary Adwas has been racing since 1996 and spends 15 hours a week on her 100 pigeons. Over recent years, the club has dwindled to just nine members. REUTERS
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Pigeon fancier Katie Adwas feeds birds at her loft in Knayton, northern England. REUTERS
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Queens Cup winner Ian Ramsey cleans out his loft at his home in Harrogate, northern England. Ramsey who grew up racing pigeons with his father became the first person in Harrogate to win the Queens Cup last year after an 11 hour race. REUTERS
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A racing pigeon is being scanned before loading for the One Loft race at Birtsmorton, central England. The race from Hexham to Birtsmorton is 203 miles, taking the winning bird around 4 to 5 hours with prize money totalling $87,000 and the winner receiving $31,600. REUTERS
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A racing pigeon is being loaded for the One Loft race at Birtsmorton, central England. 1200 pigeons are entered in the loft during March for $160. REUTERS
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Racing pigeons wait to be loaded for the One Loft race at Birtsmorton, central England. REUTERS
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Employees box and load racing pigeons for the One Loft race at Birtsmorton, central England. REUTERS