The lives and winter behavior of pigeons are exposed in all their hibernating glory in Pat McCarthy’s Pigeoning Zine #7. Chaotic, high-contrast xerox images of pigeon coups buried in snow fill most pages, accompanying McCarthy’s diaristic review of building and maintaining shelter for birds throughout dramatic winter weather. The review of pigeon housing occasionally evolves into more sweeping musings on the fortifying power of friendship, support systems, and the need to “pack it on” during the icy months.

Equipped with candid photographs and a passion to conquer the area of knowledge surrounding successful pigeon cooping, Pat McCarthy demonstrates a dedication to the birds he is housing, as well as an interest in their sociocultural significance as a symbol and as analogy to human nature and behavior on several levels.