Why choose a professional dove release?

Professional dove releases are a specialized service. Our birds are highly trained homing pigeons which return to their loft after a release. These birds are strong, fast flyers and are capable of flying over a mile per minute! The smaller “ring-neck” dove has no homing ability and should never be released – they have been domesticated and will perish in the wild.

What happens to the birds after the release?

The doves reunite as a flock in the air and circle several times to prepare for their journey home. The doves are trained at a very early age to return to their loft where they are cared for and pampered.

How do they know where "home" is?

Nobody really knows. A well trained dove appears to use many senses to "navigate" their way home. By using the sun and the polarity of the earth (north & south) along with their ability to recognize mountain ranges and landmarks. Although not clearly understood, their ability depends on breeding, good health and extensive training for them to make it safely back to their loft. Their ability to get home from a distance has been used many times in history for sending messages.

How late in the day can a release take place and what time is best?

In order to give the birds sufficient time to return home we cannot release our birds less than one hour prior to sunset. This ensures time for the birds to safely reach their loft before nightfall. A flock of white doves airborne is very dramatic; more sunlight makes viewing better. However releases are "weather permitting" for "Acts of God" such as snow, thunder, hail, ice, heavy rain storms, fog or
high winds we reserve the right to cancel. We will not jeopardize the health and well being of our doves. In this event your fee is fully refundable.

Are birds clean? Do they carry diseases?

Our domestically raised birds pose no threat to humans or animals. Birds love to bathe and keep themselves clean just as much as dinner time. On the day of your special event, before the birds are loaded up, they will have taken their daily baths. We spend a lot of time maintaining their health and appearance.

Will the birds leave droppings on my guests as they fly overhead?

No. They are feed a special diet and feeding program. They are feed when they return home from your event so they won't embarrass themselves or your guests.

At what point during the occasion should the birds be released?

This is entirely up to you! There can be a lot of creativity in the timing and location of your dove release. We will endeavor to accommodate your ideas. The most popular way to release your doves is after the vows and during your official photographs.