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
