A critical examination of advancements in avian care and education is set to unfold during a free, live, and interactive webinar scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PDT. This forthcoming digital event will offer an exclusive look into the recent Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, a significant gathering for pet bird owners and professionals dedicated to enhancing avian welfare. The webinar will be expertly hosted by Laura Doering, the esteemed former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine, featuring Lisa Bono, CPBC, owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot and a highly respected certified parrot behavior consultant, as the special guest speaker. Bono, renowned for her specialized expertise in African grey parrots, will deliver a comprehensive report on the insights and discussions that transpired at the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, held just days prior on May 30-31, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. Her presentation is expected to delve into the key speakers, their diverse topics, the operational dynamics of such a specialized meeting, and underscore the paramount importance for both pet bird owners and avian professionals to pursue continuous learning through various educational avenues.
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat: A Beacon for Avian Education
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, which concluded its 2026 iteration in Asheville, NC, serves as a cornerstone event within the avian community. Phoenix Landing is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of parrots, alongside a robust commitment to educating current and prospective bird owners. Founded on the principles of improving the lives of companion parrots, Phoenix Landing has, over two decades, established itself as a leading voice in avian welfare, known for its comprehensive approach that integrates adoption services with extensive educational outreach. The annual Wellness Retreat embodies this educational mission, providing a unique forum where pet bird owners can engage with leading experts across various disciplines of avian care.
The retreat’s structure typically involves a series of lectures, workshops, and interactive sessions designed to cover a broad spectrum of topics essential for responsible bird ownership. These often range from fundamental care aspects such as species-specific nutrition and environmental enrichment to more complex subjects like avian behavior modification, preventative health strategies, and understanding subtle signs of illness. The choice of Asheville, North Carolina, a city known for its vibrant community and natural beauty, often provides an accessible and conducive environment for attendees, fostering both learning and networking opportunities. Such retreats are crucial in addressing the growing need for specialized knowledge among bird owners, particularly as avian medicine and behavioral science continue to evolve. With millions of households worldwide owning pet birds, and a significant portion facing challenges related to misunderstanding their pets’ complex needs, events like the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat play an indispensable role in mitigating common issues that can lead to relinquishment or suboptimal welfare.
Spotlight on the Webinar’s Key Figures
The upcoming webinar is bolstered by the profound expertise of its host and guest speaker, promising an engaging and informative session.
Lisa Bono, CPBC: A Voice for African Grey Parrots and Beyond
Lisa Bono’s reputation as a certified parrot behavior consultant is built on years of dedicated practice and a deep understanding of avian psychology and welfare. As the owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot, Bono provides critical resources, consultations, and educational programs aimed at fostering healthier relationships between parrots and their human companions. Her specialization in African grey parrots is particularly noteworthy. African greys, celebrated for their exceptional intelligence and vocal mimicry, also present unique behavioral challenges that often require nuanced intervention. Their complex cognitive abilities mean they are prone to boredom, anxiety, and the development of undesirable behaviors if not properly stimulated and understood. Bono’s work focuses on proactive enrichment, positive reinforcement training, and addressing common issues such as feather plucking, screaming, and biting, which are frequently rooted in environmental deficiencies or communication breakdowns. Her insights into the recent Wellness Retreat will be invaluable, as she brings a practical, experience-driven perspective to the theoretical knowledge shared at the event. Her ability to translate scientific principles into actionable advice for everyday bird owners makes her an ideal commentator on the retreat’s proceedings.
Laura Doering: A Legacy in Avian Media
Hosting the webinar is Laura Doering, whose distinguished career as the former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine positioned her at the forefront of avian journalism for decades. Bird Talk magazine, in particular, was a seminal publication, serving as a vital source of information, advice, and community for bird enthusiasts across North America. Under Doering’s editorial leadership, both magazines became trusted platforms for disseminating up-to-date research, expert opinions, and practical care guides, helping to shape responsible pet bird ownership practices. Her extensive background provides her with a unique vantage point to moderate discussions on avian care, ensuring that the webinar remains focused, insightful, and accessible to a diverse audience. Doering’s ability to engage with experts and translate complex information into understandable content will undoubtedly enhance the webinar’s educational impact, making it a truly interactive and enriching experience for all attendees.
The Critical Imperative of Continuous Avian Education
The webinar will underscore a fundamental principle in responsible pet ownership and professional avian care: the necessity of continuous learning. The field of avian science is dynamic, with ongoing research constantly refining our understanding of parrot physiology, psychology, and optimal welfare practices. What was considered best practice a decade ago may have been superseded by new findings today. For instance, dietary recommendations have evolved significantly from seed-heavy diets to nutritionally balanced pellets supplemented with fresh foods. Similarly, insights into avian behavior have moved away from punitive training methods towards positive reinforcement and a greater emphasis on environmental enrichment and species-specific social needs.
Continuous education is vital for several reasons:
- Evolving Knowledge: New research emerges regularly in avian medicine, nutrition, and behavior. Staying updated ensures owners and professionals apply the most current and effective strategies.
- Preventative Care: Understanding early signs of illness, proper husbandry, and stress reduction techniques can prevent common health issues, thereby extending the lifespan and improving the quality of life for companion birds.
- Behavioral Health: Many behavioral problems, such as screaming, biting, or feather destruction, stem from unmet needs or misunderstandings of natural parrot behaviors. Education provides tools for effective management and resolution, fostering stronger human-animal bonds.
- Species-Specific Needs: Parrots encompass a vast array of species, each with unique requirements regarding diet, environment, social interaction, and enrichment. General knowledge is insufficient; specialized learning is crucial.
- Ethical Ownership: Continuous learning promotes a deeper ethical commitment to providing optimal welfare, moving beyond mere survival to thriving.
- Professional Development: For avian professionals—veterinarians, technicians, breeders, and behavior consultants—ongoing education is not just beneficial but mandatory for maintaining high standards of practice and offering evidence-based advice. The global pet care market, valued in the hundreds of billions, increasingly demands certified and knowledgeable professionals who can address complex pet care needs.
Interactive webinars and in-person retreats like those offered by Phoenix Landing are particularly effective formats for this continuous learning. They provide direct access to experts, facilitate real-time question-and-answer sessions, and foster a sense of community among individuals passionate about avian welfare.
Anticipated Topics and Discussions from the Retreat
While specific details of the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat’s agenda for May 30-31, 2026, will be revealed during Lisa Bono’s report, attendees can anticipate discussions on a wide array of critical topics in pet bird care. Based on the "many aspects of pet bird care" mentioned, and the general focus of avian welfare events, potential areas of focus from the retreat that Bono will elaborate on include:
- Advanced Avian Nutrition: Beyond basic diets, discussions might have included the role of probiotics, specific vitamin and mineral requirements for different species, managing obesity, and dietary strategies for birds with specific health conditions (e.g., liver disease, kidney issues).
- Behavioral Enrichment Strategies: Innovative approaches to keeping parrots mentally stimulated, including complex foraging toys, flight training protocols, social interaction techniques, and creating enriched environments that mimic natural habitats.
- Positive Reinforcement Training: Deep dives into shaping desired behaviors, addressing fear and aggression, clicker training techniques, and building trust through positive interactions. Bono’s expertise in African greys would likely bring particular focus to their unique training considerations.
- Avian Health and Preventative Medicine: Updates on common avian diseases, the importance of regular veterinary check-ups, diagnostic advancements, emergency preparedness, and understanding avian pharmacology. Discussions might also cover environmental toxins and their impact on bird health.
- Understanding Parrot Body Language: Detailed analysis of vocalizations, feather postures, and other non-verbal cues that allow owners to better understand their bird’s emotional and physical states, crucial for preempting issues.
- Ethical Breeding and Sourcing: The importance of responsible breeding practices, avoiding the illegal pet trade, and understanding the implications of sourcing birds from various environments.
- Addressing Common Behavioral Challenges: Specific strategies for managing feather destructive behaviors, chronic screaming, biting, and other issues that frequently lead to birds being rehomed.
- The Role of Avian Sanctuaries and Rescues: Discussions on the ongoing challenges faced by rescue organizations, the importance of adoption, and how owners can support these vital institutions.
Lisa Bono will also provide insights into the general atmosphere and operational flow of such a retreat. This includes the value of networking among attendees, the format of interactive Q&A sessions, and how the physical environment of the retreat contributes to the overall learning experience. These details provide context for why attending these specialized gatherings is so impactful for fostering a committed and informed avian community.
Logistical Information and Broader Implications
The webinar is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PDT. Attendees are strongly advised to utilize the provided time zone converter (https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html) to accurately determine the corresponding time in their local region, ensuring timely participation. Registration for this free, live, and interactive event is available via the Zoom platform at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yblYKo_PS5ShgxUb4tOpBQ. Early registration is recommended to secure a virtual seat and receive all necessary access information.
The ripple effects of events like the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat and its subsequent reporting through webinars extend far beyond individual attendees. They contribute significantly to the broader landscape of avian welfare, professionalizing pet bird care and elevating standards across the industry. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and information exchange, these initiatives empower bird owners to provide environments that truly allow their companion birds to thrive. This commitment to education directly impacts the health, longevity, and behavioral well-being of parrots globally, ultimately reducing the number of birds relinquished due to preventable issues and promoting a deeper, more informed appreciation for these intelligent and complex animals. The collaboration between organizations like Phoenix Landing, expert consultants like Lisa Bono, and influential media figures like Laura Doering exemplifies a concerted effort to champion responsible avian stewardship, setting a benchmark for ongoing education in the pet care community. The forthcoming webinar stands as a testament to this enduring commitment, offering a valuable opportunity for anyone invested in the welfare of pet birds.
