[neilep (OP)]

Dearest Pigeonologists,


As a sheepy I of course know sod all about pigeons, however,  as a fanatic about pigeons in flight (it's all i think about from the moment I wake to the instance I fall asleep)....I was wondering if a magnet tied to a pigeons' head would disorientate its flight path from its starting point to my dinner plate.




See Gerald here, he's being scrutinised by a Pigeonologist. I needed verification because its important to not confuse Gerald with a cabbage as they look so similar they could be twins. So please bear that in mind when ewe go shopping for pigeon and cabbage !!



Gerald being scrutinised by Arbuthnot the Pigeonologist just moments ago.


As a firm believer in empirical study I attached a small magnet to Geralds' head and set him free a few hours ago. Haven't seen him since !!


Do ewe think he's actually lost due to the magnetism or could he be struggling with the magnet I attached ? it was only fifteen or twenty kilograms and I let him fly free from atop the Empire State, he did, umm plummet for a bit but I'm sure i saw him fly off but the guard said no sheep allowed at the top of the Empire State so i dont know what happened in the end.......still, the guard did say "have a nice day ".






So, If I tied a magnet to a pigeons' head , would it fly in circles ?

Thanking ewe in advance for your kind consideration in the matter.




Hugs et les shmishes mwah mwah mwah




Neil
xxxxxxxxxxxx

[jeffreyH]

The experiment has been performed. It does have a disorienting affect. Please see for instance https://www.researchgate.net/publication/17893396_Magnets_Interfere_with_Pigeon_Homing/amp

[neilep (OP)]

The experiment has been performed. It does have a disorienting affect. Please see for instance https://www.researchgate.net/publication/17893396_Magnets_Interfere_with_Pigeon_Homing/amp

Thats fascinating. Thank ewe very much indeed .

[jeffreyH]

As the article indicates it is a combination of things that help the pigeon navigate. Very fascinating!