Welcome to the Official Website of the National Modena Club. We are hopeful that you will find our site to be informative, current and useful regarding our favorite subject--the very beautiful Modena pigeon . . . "the bird of curves!"
Modena pigeons have their origin in Modena, Italy, of course, during the 1300's where they were used primarily for "kit flying" (competitive form of "flying" Modenas). Sometime after the American Civil War (ca. 1876) they were imported into Germany and, shortly thereafter, into England and the United States. Today they are grouped in the "fancy pigeon" category and are primarily bred for exhibition purposes.
We hope that your visit on this site is rewarding and informative, as to your needs and interests. New pages and features are added as soon as they can be developed, completed and uploaded to the host server. In the meantime, check out the information that is posted here. Additionally, let us know if you can't find what you're looking for, or if you have some possible suggestions, via the following email link: NMC Website Committee.
The membership of the NMC has adopted the following
mission statement as a statement of it's intended purpose or
object. "The object of this club shall be: to encourage the
breeding and exhibiting of all varieties of Modena pigeons, to
foster friendliness and good fellowship between fellow members and
other breeders. [Additionally,] To supply helpful and interesting
information through printed literature and otherwise assist in the
further development and popularity of the
breed." (Reprinted from the current NMC
Constitution)
On behalf of the many members of the National Modena Club ( NMC ) I would
like to welcome you to our web site. Throughout our approximately
seventy-five year history we have
been one of the largest specialty pigeon clubs in our country. Annually, we
host thirteen young
bird, district and regional shows throughout the United States. Our national
show is held each year in concert with the National Pigeon Association (NPA.
) Last December, our national show,
held in Des Moines, Iowa drew almost eight hundred modena entries, which was
the largest of all the specialty clubs in attendance. The second largest
entry was several hundred short of the NMC’s. Obviously, our hobby is alive
and well. This year the NPA national will be held near
Detroit, Michigan, and once again we anticipate welcoming another eight-
hundred modenas from all over the United States and Canada.
Those of us who are today’s members of the NMC are endeavoring to take care
of that which was bequeathed to us by the dedicated modena breeders who
preceded us. The hobby of raising and/ or exhibiting modena pigeons is a
multi dimensional activity in animal husbandry. Should one desire to explore
the full experience, much energy can be expended in breeding and
exhibiting these birds. However, one of the true, and most enjoyable facets
of raising modenas,
is simply spending time with the birds. Notwithstanding all of the
conventional reasons why
one would become involved in a hobby, such as this, is the study of
genetics, which for many remains an overwhelming attraction, and one that is
never ending. Many books have been written
which explain, in detail, the vast subject of breeding and inheritance in
pigeons. In our own lofts we test these theories and experiment with our own
individual ideas, and for some, the goal
remains to breed a better modena or best modena at one of our shows. If
color is your passion,
here again, the modena offers as many opportunities as any other breed.
Finally, our little bird of curves, presents a superb study, or educational
opportunity, for the
young, including 4-H, FFA, Boy Scouts and other juniors from a wide variety
of similar
organizations. So, welcome. Please be assured we are anxious to hear from
you, and stand ready to assist in any way possible.
Ron Hawley
President
National Modena Club
Pictures courtesy of Mike Walter, Raymond Julien and Rob Eby
