Testimonials
This trophy was won by Gerald Hebert for breeding the Michiana Combine Ace Pigeon of the Year. The dam of his winner came from Cornella Family Loft. I understand Gerald nearly got a hernia putting this trophy on his mantle.
Flyers from all points of the compass are reporting great results with CORNELLA FAMILY LOFT breeding stock. Considering fewer than 25 birds are sold each year, the results have been phenomenal.
Here are just a few examples of recent performances:
We get letters….
It always makes me feel great when I get feedback from fanciers with my birds because they usually have great things to say. Here is a sampling:
Hi Alex,
I have been meaning to e-mail you for a long time to let you know things are
going great. I didn't realize how special that son of Home Alone was. We call
him Rambo 971. All of his kids have been AWESOME, especially a little hen called
Missey. She got hurt after the 4th race, so she missed 3 races, otherwise she
might have been top point winner.
Mike Strevel, Washington
Alex,
Just wanted to let you know that a grandson and granddaughter of the cock (Iacocca
III) you sold me both took a first in two different clubs on the same day last
weekend. 01 HVC 4227 took 1st at 322 miles against 386 birds in the Amsterdam
Pigeon club and Ash Combine. The same day a hen, 02 AMS 1601, took 1st vs 100
birds in the NWC Club in Mass. at 100 miles and the week before her brother,
MSB 218 took 2nd vs 458 birds in club and combine. 01 HVC 4227 won his 6th diploma
last week.
The Fabry cock, band 944, raised me a cock that won 3rd 89 birds at 220 miles and 6th 113 birds, 100 miles in 2001. He raised two youngsters, 02 AMR 2372 and 2373. I gave these two babies to Tom Schillinger, who Flies in the Schenectady Club. 2373 ended up winning the club and combine for Tom. His picture is on the clubhouse on the wall for being the club nd combine champion bird. And the 2372 was 3rd or 4th club and 10th Combine, plus other diplomas.
I then let a friend named Henry Dean borrow the 944 cock and he only bred 2 youngsters off him. one of which is 02 S 22167 who was 2nd place in our club with 140 birds and 12th place, 147 birds and 49 lofts, in the S band auction race.
The 973 BC cock’s (Doc x Connie) grandson was 14th place in the S band futurity with 609 birds and 54 lofts, with only 36 day birds
Thanks for the
help and the birds.
Dan
Drake, New York
Hey Alex,
Well, I got the birds and they are incredible!! I love these birds!!!! They
are in good shape, they are strong, they have great vitality, and they are beautiful.
I love the grizzle. I see that it is from champion flyer Jos. Thone, who is
one of the best grizzle breeders in the last couple of years in Europe. Thank
you for this pigeon.
Gabriel
Figueroa, California
Alex,
The hen arrived in fine shape and I like her a lot. I like that eye on her.
Thanks.
Patrick
Duffy, Colorado
Need To Tell
You Something Alex,
That little hen you sent me last year off de2000 has turned out to be a super
young hen, really nice conformation, muscled up very nicely. My friend was here
yesterday, and we were looking thru my group of could be breeders, and when
he got to that hen, he said, “Wow! What's this?” He claims she is one of the
nicest hens he had handled while here and started to box her for his loft. I
stopped him, of course! Next year she will have her own breeding pen.
Gerald
Hebert, Louisiana
Alex,
I finally put Home Alone's brother and daughter together. You should see the
babies. I put one in a futurity. I'll let you know how it goes. Now, the grandchildren
of Home Alone's brother and sister are turning out to be incredible racers.
It seems like I can breed them to anything and the kids race.
Mark
Gabiola, Idaho
Alex,
The hen arrived this morning. When I opened the box at the loft she was extremely
calm, what a wonderful trait! I loved the way she handled with very nice vents.
She even had a black circle around her pupil. Most of all was her calmness.
Excellent hen, Alex. I cannot wait to breed her.
Jerry
Fitzke, Tennessee
Alex,
Birds arrived in good shape considering the trip they were on. They seem to
be excellent birds in every way. I am impressed. Got them home 30 minutes before
it got dark. They were thirsty but did not seem to be hungry. The problem I
have now is they look so much better than the other ones I have. I invested
wisely.
WL
George, Texas
Alex,
93 NJO 0168 (Reno x Billion $ Hen) is a wonderful cock. He bred me diploma
winners once I got the right hen for him. His son has also bred me a diploma
winner. All the pigeons I got from you have all bred diploma winners. In fact,
97 NWJ 510 (Adriaan x Chris) is a foundation cock for me. He has been
responsible for diploma winners every year. He is some pigeon who I call “Alex.”
I have sent some of his children to friends out of state as gifts and they have
bred diploma winners there as well. I would recommend you to anyone looking for
foundation birds to succeed with in the sport. Should you ever want to refer
someone to me, please feel free to do so. I will give you the highest
recommendation.
James Guyette, New York
Alex,
I wanted to inform you that 2427 arrived safe and sound. She is just like you
have described. To be truthful, in the last four months I've looked at a lot of
birds on the Internet and for some reason 2427 has caught my eye. When I saw
that someone bid on her I came to the conclusion that she belonged in my loft
more than theirs. With her breeding and having her in hand she should be a fine
addition to my loft.
Gary Anderson, Maryland
Hi Alex,
The birds arrived today. They are nothing short of amazing pigeons. Each one of
the three looks and feels like a foundation bird. I have being racing pigeons
since 1988, and have a good idea of a quality pigeon. Believe me when I tell you
I could feel the quality of these birds in my hand even before I pulled them out
of the box!
Thank you so much. In the past I have paid a lot more
for a lot less.
Billy Karapiperis, Florida
Alex,
Well, the birds are FANTASTIC! They are better than I thought they would be.
Their feathering is so silky and they feel great! I know that a person can't
guarantee what a mating will produce, but I think you have given me a real good
start on building a strong family of birds. I recognize the line breeding you
have done with the high-quality birds that you have and this family really
impresses me. Every time I look at a pedigree after observing the birds I come
away being more and more impressed at what you selected for me. I am thankful
that I came to you for my foundation birds.
John Berokoff, California
Hi Alex,
01 GEM 119 out of 96 NWJ 1379 (Billion $ Hen x Reno) is tearing things up in the
North Texas Concourse as a yearling. He may have just won the 400-mile nominated
this morning. If there had not been a clock malfunction on his 2nd race, he’d be
right up there at the concourse level for champion bird points.
Ron West, New Mexico
Alex,
I received the birds and to say I am more than
happy with them would be an understatement. If they raise babies that will fly
as good as they look, they should be super. As a preacher I meet and interact
with many people, some good some not so good. But I am honored to know you and
wish the world was filled with more men like you. You are a true gentleman. If I
can ever repay the kindness you have shown to me, not to mention the trust and
patience, please feel free to call on me.
Randy Duvall, Missouri
Alex,
I picked the birds up this morning. They look
great. I can’t wait to fly young birds out of them. I will be calling on you for
more birds in the future. Thanks for being so nice and friendly to a stranger.
Cletus Thompson, Texas
Alex,
I received the hen early this morning. She is
very nice and I am sure will go well with the cock I have. I will keep you
posted on their youngsters’ successes. Again, thank you.
Frank Greenhall, New York
Hi Alex,
Just looked over 802's (IRMA X IACCOCA) breeding record:
7 children with combined 36 diplomas and 7 wins.
5 grandchildren with 11 diplomas and 2 wins.
I may have missed a few.
802 bred me a 300-mile winner this year.
12-years old and still going strong. Hopefully he has a few more years in him.
Andy Miner, Massachusetts
Alex,
I wanted to let you know the cock arrived. He
is settling in with a couple of my best Merckx hens. I am very happy with bird.
When his offspring start winning here in Denver I will let the guys know where
he came from. I will buy birds from you in the future. The cock got into a huge
fight with another cock defending his nest. Lots of blood and feathers. He
definitely got the better of the other one. He is very territorial. Hope he
passes that on to his kids.
Jon Campolong, Colorado
Alex,
The birds arrived on time. Your birds are so
gentle. Thank you very much for a wonderful choice. May the passion you express
be a sign of your sincere love of the sport.
Jose M Gomez-Benitez, Florida
Alex,
I went straight out to the loft to check out
the bird I got from you. VERY NICE!!!!! I just wish I got that hen for him that
you recommended. You sent me a good bird!!! I can’t wait to breed him.
Ron Correnti, Florida
Hi Alex,
Our friends Jack & Margaret Barkel have been
visiting us for a couple of weeks. As you probably know, Jack is a world
renowned eye sign expert and pigeon grader. He has graded birds all over the
world and said your birds are as fine as they come.
We won the club 350 mile-Money Race with a
Cornella Bird 10 minutes ahead of the 2nd place bird. 1st prize $1000. The sire
is a Meuleman out of Reno and the Billion Dollar Hen. This just shows how great
your birds are and how well you know them. Many thanks for the fine birds you
sent us.
Steve Joneli, Washington
Alex,
I received the birds today. They are great.
Thanks for making it so easy to get started in racing again.
Cletus Thompson, Texas
Alex,
Your birds did it again. A daughter of "Home
Alone" produced the winner of the 2001 Summer Series Futurity, a five-race
series. Thanks for the Great Birds.
Mark Gabiola, Idaho
Alex,
They look gorgeous. They are what you wrote about on your Web site. These birds
look, feel and handle class all through their feathers. I love the birds you
have sent me. I want to take this special time to write few words about letting
me have the hen. Your thoughtfulness is what really sets you apart from pigeon
traders and makes you a truly a professional person and human first.
Mirza Mustajab, DVM, Florida
Alex,
The birds are doing just fine. The cock bred me
two birds that were in the clock all season. Two of his babies are in two
futurities this year.
Dan Drake, New York
Alex,
I purchased birds from you in the past. A
silver cock and a blue hen. The silver cock bred a combine winner.
Robert Morgan, Pennsylvania
Alex,
I am very pleased with the pigeons and believe they will be the foundation of my
loft for years to come. My return to the sport will be better with the birds
that I breed from your pigeons! Thanks again for such quality pigeons.
David Pacheco, Texas
Alex,
I want to tell you how pleased I am with the son of Home Alone you sent me. What
a fantastic cock! His first round is out tearing up the sky and his second round
will be out shortly. If looks have anything to do with how they fly, these
youngsters are going to make some noise. They certainly stand out among the
others.
Jon Campolong, Colorado
Alex,
I know its New Year's Day, but I got some great
news I wanted to share with you. A young hen I sent to my friend Harold Lamons
in 2000, was named Champion Old Bird and Champion Yearling in 2001, and she was
also named Champion Bird of the Year! Beating over 500 young birds. This is a
combine award for the Michianna Combine of South Bend, Indiana and neighboring
counties of Michigan, over 35 lofts competing.
"Miss Lucky", as I named her, is a daughter of
my super-producing hen, "Lucky Lady," you sent me in '99. She produced 3 diploma
winners in 1999, 2 in 2000, and 1 in 2001. Different cocks were mated to her
each year. I'm still a beginner, but awards like this sure makes me feel good.
Gerald Hebert, Louisiana
Alex,
I started the YB racing season and I am so happy with the race results so far
this year in YB's. With 6 weeks and 12 races finished and 4 more weeks to go, I
have won 6 out of 12 races in our club. I just wanted to tell you it was money
well spent purchasing 954 from you.
Roger Ragain, Illinois
Alex,
I need to let you know that I bought a hen that
you had donated to the Texas Center Convention in 1993. She has raised no less
than 5 race winners, and 2 of them were multiple race winners. She still looks
and feels like a two-year old. Sorry for not letting you know sooner.
T.J. Collin, Jr., Oklahoma
Alex,
Shipment of birds arrived today. Thank you so
much, we are very pleased with our purchases. The more I am with your birds the
more respect I am getting for you. Keep up the good work. Our sport is blessed
with people like you.
Steve Joneli, Washington
Alex,
The slate just arrived and is in perfect
condition. He looks like I thought he would. I am very pleased with him.
Steve Hancock, Alaska
Alex,
The last race is over. Vito's (IRMA X GODFATHER) kids are kicking butt! One of
Vito's kids is the high point bird for the year. Another one of his offspring
earned a lot of points for the loft. The ADRIAN X CHRIS son bred two kids that
added a lot of points. We won average speed and earned second in the Champion
Loft; missing first by 3 points. One of your birds was written up in the RACING
PIGEON DIGEST and THOROUGHBRED for an Asian race Futurity held in the Northwest.
It was an ADRIAAN grandkid who was on the drop to the loft in three of the five
races. Thanks again for the great birds.
Mark Gabiola, Idaho
Alex,
We want to thank you for your generous
hospitality and the pigeons. It was our pleasure to visit your lofts and home.
You have some wonderful birds.
Dan Drake, New York
Alex,
Every time I look back at your list of breeding
pairs I get goose bumps. The more I learn, the more I see you have some of the
finest birds available in the U.S. I treasure my HOME ALONE daughter.
The de 2000 Meuleman hen is the most consistent
producing hen I own. One of her offspring was in the top 10% 4 times out of 6
races entered. A second YB off her won 1st Place in our Gold Band race, out of
45 gold band birds, 2 x 2nd Place club, 9th Place combine, and was in the top
10% in every race it went to except one.
Gerald Hebert, Louisiana
Alex,
Here are the final results of youngsters off
the hen you sent. 0911 was 2nd club, 44th combine (213 miles). 0912 was 1st
club, 39th combine. Also, 3rd club, 65th combine. I clocked both this past
weekend 2nd and 3rd (282 miles). I'm happy with their consistency, especially
since there was a headwind or crosswind every race. It is very hard for our club
to win any combine races since the clubs are so spread out and very few birds
come in this area.
Thanks again for the bird. If it weren’t for
her I probably would have had a bad season again!
Eric Danella, Pennsylvania
Hi Alex,
I want to thank you again for being so generous to me. I more than appreciate
your kindness and consideration for my newly revisited hobby. The birds are
settled in their new environment and seem to be adjusting very well. We were
very impressed with you and your welcome mat!
Jim ,Connie and Debbie Aulisio, New Jersey
Alex,
Well you know there a few really good people in
the world and you are one of them.
Mike Strevel, Washington
Alex,
I'd like two more breeding pairs from you. A
great granddaughter of ADRIAAN came in 29th in the Snowbird race out here and
won me money.
George Todt, California
Alex,
I got the bird this morning. You were right.
I'm impressed with the quality. Thanks.
Carlton Kroese, Missouri
Hello Alex,
For sure, I will do business with you again
because you are experienced and truthful. I love your birds and I believe in
them!
Rodney Hunt, St. Martins - Netherlands Antilles
Alex,
917 (IRMA granddaughter) must be a good one.
Her daughter (917 x HOME ALONE) is SUPER! Wouldn't trade her for anything. I
have a young from her in the GHC Classic and the handler says he thinks she is
the best in his loft of over 200. Very fast and smart! Traps way before the rest
from a toss. He says when she gets home she dives at the landing board, one of
the best he's ever seen.
Gerald Hebert, Louisiana