About ...
I was lucky enough to come into the sport with the guidance of my grandfather, Jack Watkins,father Tommy Watkins, and mother Patsy. My parents were very supportive I was lucky enough to find a wonderful wife, Rebecca to help me carry on the tradition. She is my best friend and true partner with the birds. I won my first race with the help of my grandfather in 1979 at the age of 6 and have been lucky enough to meet and befriend some of the greatest names in the sport: Tony Melucci, Art Hees, Eric Gioiosa, John Bellandi, Tom Fahmie, Joe Swint, Alex Cornella and John Spuria to name a few. Also a special tribute to my mentor who is now no longer with us, Fred Arant, of South Carolina. He was one of the greatest pigeon men I ever knew.
The Pigeons ...
I feel fortunate to own basically one basic family of birds, from in my opinion and many others, the best pigeon fancier in the history of the American Sport: Tony Melucci. I have made many visits and made many phone calls to my best friend in this sport and my hero: Tony Melucci. Tony Melucci is the example everyone in our sport should strive to imitate. He is humble, modest, but a great champion. He is an American Legend. I have known him since I was an aggravating 15 year old who visited him on a yearly basis and he was there to pick me up at the airport and make sure I had a great visit. My wife and I now enjoy talking weekly with he and his wonderful wife Chris. Most of these birds are Vandenabeele/Toye/Casaert. I also have birds directly from Silvere Toye (including a direct daughter of PARIS sire of 5th South Africa Race and grandsire of Amigo Belgian Masters winner, I also have a direct daughter of Zuster Amigo) and Jo Claeskens, an up and coming star of Belgium. These birds will be crossed into the existing Melucci family. I am also fortunate to be friends with Carey Tilson who has provided me with some great birds that I will soon try. Carey has certainly made a great impact on the sport and is an asset to our club and combine. I was also lucky enough, by way of my wife as a gift, to receive "Double Blackjack". Blackjack was 2nd Champion Bird Greater Tampa Bay Concourse for Art Hees and a top breeder.
Awards and Results ...
I have won average speeds, races from 100-500, futurities, and special races since the 1980s. I am the first to admit my flying record is not the greatest but I am working on it and hopefully soon after having my birds in my own backyard for the first time in years success will come. I take pride in knowing my birds have won for others. I also take pride in knowing I fly in a very competitive club. This old bird series we have had 4 winners in 5 races. I also had the pleasure of flying last year with two of the greatest flyers I have known Don Squires and Darrell Glover.
Birds For Sale ...
I occassionally list birds on pigeonauctions.com. I have had great reports and happy buyers. Youngster can be ordered by contacting me.
General Tips ...
Look at the results of the people you buy from, buy from winners, forget about pedigrees, and use as many natural products as possible. Find a system that works for you and stick to it.
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