Missing homing pigeon Bob found 4,000 miles away in Alabamaon June 30, 2022 at 11:36 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

The bird was racing home to Gateshead but was found by a puzzled resident at his home in Alabama.

Bob the pigeonImage source, Monroe County Alabama Animal Shelter

A confused pigeon has turned up thousands of miles away in the US after getting lost racing back to Tyneside.

Bob set off from Guernsey in the Channel Islands three weeks ago on the 400-mile (644 km) route to Gateshead, which was supposed to take 10 hours.

But instead of heading home to Tyneside the four-year-old was found at the home of a puzzled Alabama resident.

Owner Alan Todd believed Bob took a wrong turn and landed on a ship where he crossed the Atlantic.

The bird, who is said to be worth more than ?1,000, is currently being cared for by an animal shelter in Monroeville, Alabama.

Staff said despite being underweight Bob “looks pretty good” and had been checked by a vet.

Mr Todd, from Winlaton, who has been reunited with Bob via webcam, is planning to travel over to bring him back.

“He wouldn’t have flown all that way, I think he has probably jumped on to a ship,” he said.

“He was covered in oil – it could have been an oil tanker.

“They are obviously looking after him very well – when I saw him yesterday he didn’t look in a good state, but looking at him today he looks a lot better just in one day.”

Bob with member of staff from the animal shelter

Image source, Monroe County Alabama Animal Shelter

The pigeon was traced to north-east England by staff at Monroe County Alabama Animal Shelter who put out an appeal on social media.

They said they had been contacted by an elderly resident who had found the bird at his home in Mexia on Wednesday.

Because Bob was wearing distinctive leg bands, staff at the shelter investigated and tracked down the North of East Homing Union (NEHU), where his owner was found.

Megan Bryan and Monica Hardy, who have been caring for the pigeon at the shelter, said: “He’s appearing well, he’s doing great.”

Presentational grey line

Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.

Related Internet Links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Karen Bardsley: England and Manchester City goalkeeper announces retirementon May 2, 2022 at 10:00 am

England and Manchester City goalkeeper Karen Bardsley will retire at the end of the season.

World Cup 2022: Watch all the penalties as Croatia beat Japan in Qataron December 5, 2022 at 6:22 pm

Watch the full penalty shootout as Croatia beat Japan 3-1 on spot kicks following a 1-1 draw after extra time to progress to the...

Supreme Court date for indyref2 case set for 11 Octoberon July 21, 2022 at 9:34 am

Arguments on whether Holyrood could legislate for a second Scottish vote will be made to the UK's Supreme Court.A key court case that could...

Therese Coffey’s views on abortion concerning, charity sayson September 6, 2022 at 8:28 pm

The new health secretary has opposed extending abortion rights but has said the law wouldn't change.Image source, PA MediaThe British Pregnancy Advisory Service has...

Trailblazer Doddie Weir’s MND legacy ‘will live on’on November 27, 2022 at 12:10 pm

Doddie Weir's friends and family say the former rugby hero's charity work will continue after his death.This video can not be playedTo play this...