The Homing Instinct - Documentary - Full Film (with Subtitles)

Two old friends and rival pigeon racers are preparing for the big race of the season. Set in the North East of England where Maurice's allotment is home to the world's only listed pigeon Cree, the ageing miners embark on what could be their last season together. Jackie and Maurice face the challenges of old age, ill health and a continuing battle with land developers as they prepare for the most prestigious race of the year, where their pigeons will fly five hundred and sixty miles from Bourges in France. The film follows the men's emotional journey as things don't work out quite as expected.

[@tixgoloft]

I have watched this at least fore times now and every time I watch It I fall in love with how well it was filmed and also these 2 men which I personally consider the real champions and a great example to the sport, it does make more sense when people are into pigeons because they enjoy it and not just because they’re interested in making money out of it like nowadays. A huge respect to this documentary creators and whoever was involved. And a huge to people in the northeast and how generous and kind they are. Also to these two men’s families, I hope they made you proud.

[@brendanjones2734]

How true you are I hope not to say this the wrong way but between the two they haven't 2 penny's to rub together God bless this kind of pigeon people ❤

[@hollypage123]

This is my grandad jack who i love and miss very much he was everything to me he was my world and i miss him very much every day" god bless you grandad love u more than words can say" love holly xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[@paulreed480]

God bless.

[@churchether]

I would just like to say love, that you grandfather, God bless him, brought me so much joy and happiness through this film

[@LyubomirLalovMulti]

Cheers for this, I have been researching "racing pigeons for sale belgium" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Hansaac Riyliver Scheme - (search on google ) ? Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my m8 got great success with it.

[@hothi13singh]

Guru Bless.

[@mohammedashraf8147]

God bless you all that replied, I'm very sorry to hear that, I'm sorry for your loss.. God bless you. :)

[@DAVID77774]

Only just watched this due to long term health conditions. Just like to say .love these folk. Standing The Ground .God Bless The Miner's. High flyers. . Real roots with depth .never forgotten.

[@citoloft1969]

I must say this is one of the best documentary I have ever seen and believe it or not there is a lot of people getting back in to the sport like me after 10 years I am fully back in there ain’t no stopping me to the day I die Love my birds love this documentary.❤❤❤❤❤🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️💪💪👍

[@johnsilvester4681]

Favourite pigeon film of all time, two people I'd of love to have met over a brew and chat pigeons all day❤

[@1locoaf]

I just started to build a racing team of my own. I am disabled from a job related injury. Needed to keep busy, I always loved pigeons, just never had the time & or space back then. Now I do hahaha. Love this movie. There are no fancy hi tech lofts. Just 2 men enjoying their pigeons. To see these beautiful creatures leave the home you built them, & come back from a far to rest in that home you built them. That is beautiful. This short movie is what raising Racing Pigeons is all about.

[@geoffbateman8277]

A lovely film for posterity. I used to race pigeons from 1971-2000, and then went into training greyhounds, which I still do to this day, but once a pigeon fancier, always a pigeon fancier. Thanks for the memories.

[@Fuzzysword]

man, best pigeon film ive watched to date. the mournful nature of the sound track really hit spot on the feeling of the sport in general. its like watching your beloved old grandpa taking his last breaths....

[@kenttoro-pearce6115]

Just fantastic... wish these gents all the very best. I grew up with pigeons in my life thanks to my Grandad. Now I keep and race them myself. Thank you Grandad, love and miss you every day.xxx. #stillbestfriendsforever

[@alexispenateguerra6158]

I don't know how many times I've seen this documentary. is incredible. thrilling. I loved seeing it from the first time and from time to time I watch it again because it is fascinating. These two good friends have already passed away. I hope they are in heaven enjoying their carrier pigeons. and have gained eternity. A hug to the entire family and pigeon fanciers.

[@brendanjones2734]

These are what you call proper genuine pigeon fanciers and they are one of a kind

[@jimbennett3630]

These old guys really are the salt of the earth, anyone with a love for animals have a good heart...

[@paulreed480]

Real gentlemen with manners and respect.

[@DAVID77774]

Moves The Heart every time watch this . Heartily Beautifull . God Bless The Miner's. Simple Folk yet Wise

[@ingma99]

The two stars of this show were the two old timers, true gentlemen, the way they carried themselves and the passion they displayed for their hobby whilst not whooping and hollering... everything I love about this country. If the world was full of Maurice's and Jackie's we'd be all right !!

[@oldmanarockin]

what a wondeful short film of 2 old friends and pigeon faciers. As an ex fancier i got goose pimples whatching as it brought back lots of happy memories. Sadly i gave up because it was breaking my heart loseing so many birds. But i got 10 good years out of the sport. One more thing...If i could bottle the buzz and excitement i got from waiting on my birds arriveing from a race and give it to the younger generation there would be no need for drugs to get their fix. Thanks for posting...

[@abdulabbas6926]

it's just amazing to see these legends. I wish them good luck for the future. hope more people will come in to pigeon racing

[@katlinbr]

What a beautiful film! I recently completed writing a novel about a pigeon family and I was so pleased to hear Jackie say 'what wonderful animals these lot are'. Thank you for making such a touching and important film about the connection between birds and friends.

[@faissalelfrougui1877]

Watching this documentary has really inspired me to start a pigeon racing again the good old boys. God bless them.❤

[@Random.thatguy]

I love pigeons..I been raising pigeons since I was 16… I had about 25 pigeons….. I got older n got busy with life I’m 50 years old now … I’ll start raising them again… it’s so peaceful n joyful

[@littleanth7727]

Makes me proud to be a northerner pigeon lad when a watch this! Rip jackie & maurice never forgotten

[@alisomnez1915]

Awesome amazing beautiful people amazing beautiful places

[@ahkinloft]

beautiful film,.... when release thousands of pigeons, think about the hundred of men like Maurice and Jack, with that hope and happiness waiting for their pigeons. thanks from Guadalajara, México.

[@lindsaymusk876]

For any person that doesn't like pigeon racing. You should go and visit a pigeon fancier and see how much love and time goes in to rearing these birds. Only then when you have seen how happy theses birds are can you make judgment in it. Carrier pigeons were used to with great affect in the war.

[@ابناعماره-و6ف]

Lindsay Musk م سسنسم

[@jordanhouston6193]

I stumbled across this video by random KZbin scrolling , the kindness and purity of these two souls is inspirational. Two of the most beautiful souls I have ever had the pleasure of seeing . I smiled from start to finish your happiness brought me happiness thank you for sharing your story

[@sidneysissaoui3419]

Wonderful story. I love and respect from the bottom of my heart such way of living. I'm fond of them, they're pretty lovable.

[@jalopy620]

I enjoyed every second of this film, wish it was longer. All the best for the 2 lads in the future.

[@heylflights4462]

Lovely to see the lads still in the sport! I've loved pigeons ever since my father raced back in the 80s and my son loves them too, great sport, such a monumental shame it's a dying sport

[@zaoprince]

Can't understand a lot of what they say, but I did get this: Jackie said pigeon racing is a dying sport. Well, I'm 25, and my dad just got me into it, so - for you, Jackie, I'll do my part to keep it going! Cheers, great documentary!

[@fhills76]

Never ever thought I would have pigeons again after my dad died 6 years ago,,here I am 6 years later putting the foundations down for a new loft,, just missed it so much,, the best sport in the world

[@haraldgomoll3118]

It´s a beautiful Film. A lot of memories came back from a good old time. RIP Jackie

[@eniyaenuzz2946]

So sad 🖤

[@the-elite-firmtiger4881]

The best hobby I've ever ever had . Just wish that I could start racing again some day .

[@shanelevene4864]

Why can't you?

[@jamestalbot6615]

Great video Jackie was a gentleman.he used to come and watch me play football every Saturday for ryhope top club.rip jackie

[@111chazz]

Seen this a while back on T.V. Well made documentary capturing the essence of the sport and the people. Hopefully there are enough youngsters to keep the pigeon fancy alive. Spot on.

[@meerkatfilmsuk]

Hi there, glad you liked the doc. We wrote the music in-house, lots of musicians at Meerkat Films so bit of a team effort, the director played the violin in the recording of the music too.

[@saider895]

I had to watch this a couple times over, enjoyed it a lot, these 2 guys are awesome.

[@Rey-n5g]

All the love for these fine gentlemen, may the good lord bless me with long life same as yours so I may enjoy the love for the pigeons.

[@terrycollett1461]

A real pigeon fancier.

[@ChandraSekhar-dn9ef]

The sport is not dying old man. It will never.

[@swiftwinglofts]

Enjoyed this film very much! Pigeons have changed my life, best sport on earth!

[@jhiewelmaxinesantiago6024]

swiftwinglofts

[@fevychiu2020]

swiftwinglthfffghugyha.jhjjjfbmojofts

[@bencroft7011]

A wonderful Documentary. I love Racing Pigeons. Theres More than meets the eye to a racer.

[@mazdaspecial]

Watched this half a dozen times now and every time I see it it takes me back to when I used to accompany my dad around his mates lofts up north around Prudhoe and Amble. Great times, would love to set up again maybe when I retire in 4-5yds time. Thanks for a great short film.

[@annemccabe8023]

Great stuff had them before wish I could again Mr MC cabe

[@paulyeps]

What a great film ... I will be watching it over and over .. nice to see friendly competition .. hard to understand Jackie at times ... something about the liberating of the birds that gives me goose bumps !!! thanks ... well done ...

[@boro7059]

i enjoyed every second of this flm wish it was longer tho god bless jackie lad bet he was a real player with the pigeons sad to all his family and mates thats hes gone like rip jackie :( and all the best to maurice hope he wins the combine in the future all the best ..

[@neidr65]

Suberb film.Best hobby in the world without question!! to see your bird reach home 500miles,winning is a bonus...

[@BettySwollocks13]

What a wonderful film of a couple of smashing gentlemen doing something they love doing.

[@systerpietersen2778]

as a fancier ill bend my knees for these golden oldies

[@MsCuisle]

Very sad to hear about Jackie. Loved the film, the pigeons, hearing Geordie accents again. Many thanks.

[@mohammedashraf8147]

Yup, same to me , Fly High Jackie, Your In A Better Place :)

[@lukewang4396]

Time is flying, I was using this kind wood case benzing clock 55 years ago. Nice video.

[@sh_Mac]

my nana live just round the corner from these allotments god bless these blokes

[@mike-myke22]

Thanks for posting. 👍

[@ayeshaarif1700]

I love there love for pigeons...this documentry is the best..

[@joellewis4806]

Thank you for this film... made me think about my second employer long ago who raced pigeons... I wish I would have paid more attention.

[@jaguar420g]

I was 12 years old first race North Road Leicester little Red and White Hen my dad gave me came First never will I forget that day,came 5th in the Fed from Thurslo in Scotland end of young bird season if memory serves me right. My dad kept racing pigeons all his life other than when he was at war bless him.

[@heyrocknroll]

What a fantastic little film. Really enjoyed it.

[@bikesfred]

real pigeon men and a great documentary and very sad jackie passed away RIP

[@pigeon816]

This is by far the best video

[@barbsmorninggarden7985]

Anthony Seeley The sad part of this pigeon racing video is seeing the grossly rich building their houses right up against them. Seems an effort to squeeze these beautiful old gentlemen out. Funny, how the grossly rich will say the old ways are wrong, yet after they have effectively squeezed them out (or the old guys die).............they then COPY the old ways as their own and pretend they invented it. And these two men will be erased from history and forgotten. :((

[@DavidKing-dr2oo]

Real pigeon men with real pigeons!

[@3rogo]

The best ducumentary film I ever seen.Congratulations from Romania !

[@waynenewcombe8184]

Just brilliant 👌

[@henkrooijakkers5279]

Fantastic documentary! Greetings from The Netherlands

[@Sabocalypse]

good film love pigeons!!

[@raketjee]

realy good movie and both jakie and maurice are top lads ,keep it up guys

[@LiJoRi]

I really want this sport to keep going, I am 15 and its the only sport I enjoy never mind Love!!!

[@tylerthorpe5407]

I'm 15 to its a great sport

[@VanChandama]

ayee im 15

[@flyyspit]

This doc was too sweet.. TY meer very much..

[@rockingjosephite]

amazing short film :) RIP JACKIE !! we love pigeons

[@davidmcdonald9000]

Fantastic simply fantastic 🐦

[@davidmasson1358]

All I can say is that the guys in the film were first class, and so was the film.

[@salvadorcamposjr]

Absolutely amazing Documentary! I'm so emocional...Fantastic job. Congrats from Brazil.

[@alexdobson6059]

I don't keep racing pigeons but I do keep pigeons and I really enjoy it

[@bencroft7011]

I remember watching this 2 years Back and found it very interesting as A fancier.

[@kevinhoye6154]

Just watched this and remembered a response from the Sports Council who said, they couldn't recognise this as a 'sport' as there was no physical effort put in. They should take a look!!

[@bobbypigeons45]

Cracking film and well made

[@fabianfrederickcarolissen856]

One word, LOVELY.

[@HoerskoolCarnarvon]

just love racing pigeons

[@merx182]

Beautifil passion. I have shivers!

[@littleanth7727]

Beautiful film this is

[@a2kchi]

very good pigeons , thanks for film

[@NigelLoker-qq8hx]

The easy way to understand the homing instinct is that it is similar to when your at the pub legless and can’t remember how you got home!

[@NATALIHEYKE]

Голуби моего мужа принесли много побед... В том числе и победу в Марселе! Но первый раз я вижу, как происходит это действо - запуск! Спасибо!!!

[@ronaldalan22]

Respect! -Norwegian boy

[@Rosie-xj3fq]

superb. Really interesting.

[@caglar5534]

an excellent movie

[@SuperMoshak]

veldig bra doc . mersi ,fra Iran

[@gazo8025]

I love pigeons ,I don't no why!!!

[@QBDad18]

very cool video....

[@markhutt4494]

that was a TOP CLASS documentary LOVE IT are the loft's still there

[@LumisArms]

They are, sadly jackie passed away a few year ago. Morris still has the cree which is officially the uks oldest cree. My uncle looks after Morris' cree as his health isnt too well and i believe jackies son took over his cree. Morris is still full of laughs and his birds are still stunning.

[@johnkaspers903]

greath movie ,good friends with their favorite hobby.

[@SiaNariman]

Great Work! really.

[@fahzanaikram2405]

it truly is a good sport but now these days people think that pigeons are un hygienic but truly a good hobby which involves love and passion

[@maika0staretza]

i have watched this 5 times and still like it ......something wrong with me?

[@Jonsheffield1985]

Great program, love to watch the bird documentary program :-)

[@MrBeprepared123]

When I get my birds I hope I can be like these guys when I'm old

[@mohammedashraf8147]

That must mean the world to them/.

[@danrizloft05]

i salute for both of you...god bless you

[@rotor1851e]

Wow, that brought back some memories for me, I went to school at Silksworth in the 60's, been in the USA since mid 70's. Very good documentary, curious if they managed to keep their allotments?

[@sashss]

Brilliant!!

[@iramshahzadi6326]

Very good

[@flashy2966]

very good doc

[@meerkatfilmsuk]

Cheers for the comments, glad you like it!

[@itaachi143]

i love pigeons they are my life

[@mohammedashraf8147]

That's very nice.. That would mean the world to pigeon lovers.