January/February 2026

6 – Purebred PIGEON This past October, I had the honor of traveling to Aguas- calientes, Mexico, to judge at the Expo de Palomas de Fan- tasía, hosted by the Federación Mexicana de Colombocultores (FMC). As someone who is active in the pigeon hobby, this trip was a rewarding experience and another step forward in my time as a judge. The show itself was impressive in both size and variety: over 50 different breeds and more than 600 birds, all proudly exhibited by passionate breed- ers. The more popular breeds were the German Beauty Homers, Barbs, and English Carriers. In addition, Modenas and Chinese Owls filled the aisles, while rarities such as Zitterhals, English Magpies, Valencia Figuritas and others were shown as well. This was a real treat for fanciers who, like myself, appreciate the rare breeds. M oments in the J udging A rea One moment that will stay with me was when judging the German Beauty Homers. Club members stood behind me watching closely as I sorted through the birds. Even though I don’t speak much Spanish, I could still catch the quiet com- ments between them as I removed birds that wouldn’t be moving forward. I heard them saying to each other, “There goes your bird,” “Mine is still there,” and things of that joking nature. It was a reminder of how much heart these breeders put into their birds – and the camaraderie between each of them. The quality of several breeds truly stood out. The Frill- backs, German Beauty Homers, and Barbs were all shown at an exceptionally high level, representing years of dedicated breeding and careful selection. Throughout the judging, I made it a point to explain why certain birds were being removed or why particular faults prevented them from advancing. Many exhibitors told me they appreciated this transparency, and I hope the insight helps them in refining their breeding programs. A S how W ithin a F estival One of the most unique aspects of the event was its setting. The Expo was held during the Festival Cultural de Calaveras, a vibrant celebration filled with art, color, and tradition. Between judging classes, I was able to walk through the festival and take in the beautiful displays, music, and energy. Experiencing both events side-by-side made the trip even more special. A W arm W elcome The hospitality in Aguascalientes was unforgettable. The FMC club members were incredibly warm, welcoming, and eager to share their passion for pigeons. I judged alongside Bobby Corrales, an experienced judge and great partner, which helped tremendously given the volume of birds we needed to evaluate in a limited time. The FMC runs a truly fantastic show, and the dedication of their members is evident in every detail – from the prepara- tion of the venue to the pride they show in their birds. I would absolutely recommend that anyone who loves pigeons make the trip to Aguascalientes at least once. It is a beautiful city, full of friendly people, and home to a pigeon show with an incredi- ble variety of breeds. Inside the FMC: Judging Pigeons at Mexico’s Expo de Palomas de Fantasía By Phillip Fry