This risk assessment is based on the WOWD 'WIS en WAS' research (2008), conducted by the Scientific Research Animal Welfare Pigeons committee of the NPO. The study analyzed 287 race flights (2002-2005) and identified which weather and flight factors influence the return of pigeons.
Criteria per factor
Factor
Favorable
Neutral
Some risk
Risk
Wind
W-N 1-3 Bft, S-W 1-6 Bft
-
N-SE direction, W-N 4-5 Bft, variable 0-2 Bft
W-N 6+ Bft, >= 7 Bft
Temperature
15-20°C
10-15°C, 20-25°C
26-28°C (24-26°C young birds), < 10°C
>= 29°C (>= 27°C young birds)
Humidity
60-75%
75-90%
< 60% of > 90%
-
Cloud cover
0-5/8
6-7/8, or mainly high clouds
8/8
Low clouds >= 80% (blocks UV)
Precipitation
Dry
Showers with clearing
Many showers
Rain/thunderstorm
Visibility
>= 10 km
7-10 km
5-7 km
< 5 km / fog
UV-index
-
2-5
>= 6, or UV < 2 (weak orientation)
-
Air pressure
>= 1020 hPa
1000-1020 hPa
<= 1000 hPa
-
Inversion
-
-
>= 25°C + calm + clear
>= 28°C + windstill + cloudless
Combination
-
-
>= 4 risk points combined
Headwind + clouds + precipitation
Source: WOWD/NPO - Effects of weather elements, geomagnetic disturbances and other factors on the return of racing pigeons (2008).
Inversion detection and cloud layer analysis based on Van Breemen & Land release manual. Not automatically available: frontal disturbances, thermals and geomagnetic field (K-index).
This release checklist is generated automatically based on weather data and is intended as informational support only. PigeonMeteo provides no guarantee regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. The decision to release pigeons always remains the full responsibility of the release coordinator and/or convoy leader. PigeonMeteo cannot be held liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from decisions made based on this information.