| Dove Releases by Macy Milback of White Wings NY Dove Releases Doves are symbolic of celebration, new beginnings, peace, love, serenity and the Holy Spirit. They have been used in ceremonies throughout the world for centuries. Their beauty, as they soar into the sky and circle overhead is truly breathtaking. Doves can represent eternal life, love, happiness and unity. They signify the celebration of the beginning of your new marriage together. This is a unique way to express that special love and joy you are feeling on your wedding day and really "wow" your family and guests. Something about them just tugs at our hearts! But it must be performed by professionals. Most professionals, as we are, proudly belong to an association such as The White Dove Release Professionals www.white-dove-releases.com. They are a group of liked-minded business people that share a very high standard of ethics in business practices and the treatment of birds. They clearly post their release policy on their websites so you know what to expect. A professional will strive to educate the general public about the ins and outs of dove releases. Always use a reputable company and ask a lot of questions! Untrained homing pigeons, ring neck doves, like magicians use or any other type of white bird should never be used for releases. Untrained birds will not create the beautiful display you desire. These birds will most likely land on trees, rooftops or the ground. Not the picture you were looking for, right! Some people may offer to ship birds hundreds of miles telling you they will return home, or make a new home in your area! UNTRUE! They are not used to surviving in the wild and will most likely perish or become prey. Even homing pigeons will not fly hundreds of miles home if they were not trained to do so. White doves are usually released up to a 50 mile radius. There are many things about birds you may find surprising! White doves used for releases are specially trained white rock doves but are also a type of white homing pigeon. They have an inborn ability to find their way home if properly trained to use it. The scientific world is still unsure of exactly how they do it! This is the only reason they can be released at celebrations and will find their way home. Most times they will be home before the professionals that released them! Well-trained white homing pigeons are the ONLY type of bird that should ever be used for releases. Professionals spend countless hours in the handling, caring and training of their birds. They are healthy, well fed and well trained. They have their own houses or lofts with special one- way doors to let them in when they get home. They know there is fresh food and water awaiting them when they come back from a release. This feeding schedule is also one way to control a chance of an "accident". Their feeding after the release helps insure a release without incident. As babies, when they are ready to begin training, the birds are driven about one half mile and released from special training baskets. When they are in their loft before their handler gets there, it’s time to go further! This teaches them where home is, the surrounding countryside, how to fly out of the baskets and how to fly as a group. The handler will continue driving and training until they have been in all directions from their coop within the release area. They are continually trained even as adults to keep them in good flying condition. A qualified handler is a vital part of every release. A trained (well dressed ;-) handler will bring your birds to your wedding site in beautifully decorated release baskets. They will set up the equipment before your guests arrive in an area that is safe to perform the release. It is important the birds are not released into people, traffic, or wires and they have a clear flight path to the sky. A handler will guide you and coordinate the release with your photographer so he or she can get the best possible pictures. Under certain weather conditions a release may have to be cancelled for the safety of the birds. Doves will not fly in rain, fog, extreme wind or the dark. It affects their homing ability and puts them at risk of getting lost or hurt. Professionals care too much for their birds to let that happen. A release must also take place with enough time for the birds to get home before sunset. This time varies, depending on how far they have to fly home, but is generally 2 hours or less before sunset. A professionally done white dove release is a very beautiful, special addition to your wedding day. Every release is a happy experience that all professionals thoroughly enjoy! The "oohs and aahhs" of the guests says it all! You can visit our website at WhiteWingsNYDoveReleases.com to view pictures of events we have done in our area and read our release policy and FAQs page. I hope this article was enlightening! Consider adding a very special dove release to your very special event! |