These birds can fly at 45 miles an hour. One day a dove came back with a message on its paw: the story of Marco Castelli, breeder of the last messengers of the sky

Marco Castelli, a 47-year-old pigeon fancier and agricultural entrepreneur based in Cortona, has been recognized for his achievements in the world of homing pigeons. Recently, he was awarded by the town of Cortona for winning the Tuscan Championship for Homing Pigeons, which took place in Capua on May 11. His pigeon completed a distance of 306 kilometers in straight-line flight over four hours and fifteen minutes, achieving an average speed of 72 kilometers per hour and securing first place in the competition. Castelli breeds approximately 80 pairs of pigeons, including both breeders and racing birds. Among his most notable pigeons is one identified by the ring number 223949-22, a dark-feathered bird with several significant race results to its name. Castelli describes himself as a lifelong pigeon fancier who participates in the sport through the Ali Aretine sports society. He notes that while the discipline is not widely known, there are still enthusiasts in Italy who engage in provincial and regional competitions. The practice involves transporting pigeons to a designated location, releasing them, and measuring how quickly they return home using their innate sense of direction. Each pigeon is fitted with a ring containing a unique number and a microchip upon birth, establishing a connection to their home lofts. This bond allows the birds to navigate hundreds of kilometers back to their starting point. The use of homing pigeons for communication has largely faded into history, replaced by competitive sporting events. In these races, participants are measured by the time taken to return home, with rankings determined by speed. On the day of the competition, the pigeons are gathered and placed in their baskets on a truck equipped with all necessary comforts, which travels to the competition site. Once released, the pigeons instinctively follow their route back to their home lofts. The return of the winner marked the most crucial moment of the race. Castelli’s victorious pigeon, yet to receive a name as names are typically given after initial victories, covered the 306-kilometer distance in four hours and fifteen minutes at an average speed of 72 kilometers per hour. The achievement highlights the remarkable abilities of homing pigeons, whose natural orientation skills continue to captivate competitors and spectators alike. Homing pigeons have long been associated with their historical role in delivering messages, a function that once played a vital role in military and civilian communications. Today, however, they serve primarily as athletes in organized competitions. These events require careful breeding and training to ensure the pigeons can endure long distances and return accurately. The sport demands precision in selecting and preparing the birds, as well as understanding their behavior and physical condition. Castelli's success underscores the continued relevance of this niche sport despite its limited public awareness. While the number of participants remains relatively small compared to other athletic pursuits, dedicated fanciers like Castelli keep the tradition alive. Their efforts contribute to preserving a unique aspect of human-animal interaction rooted in nature’s navigational capabilities. The competition in Capua exemplifies the rigorous standards of modern pigeon racing. Participants must adhere to strict rules regarding the treatment and transportation of their birds to ensure fair competition. Judges monitor the process to maintain integrity and consistency across events. The performance of each pigeon is recorded meticulously, allowing for accurate comparisons and recognition of exceptional talent. As the sport continues to evolve, new technologies and training methods are being explored to enhance the performance of homing pigeons. However, the core principles remain unchanged, reliance on the birds' natural instincts and their ability to find their way home. For Castelli and others in the community, the pursuit of excellence in this field represents more than just competition; it symbolizes a deep respect for the animals and the traditions they uphold.