A forthcoming live, interactive webinar scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PDT (attendees are advised to utilize a reliable time zone converter for local time verification) will offer an exclusive look into the recent Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat. Hosted by Laura Doering, the esteemed former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine, the webinar features special guest Lisa Bono, CPBC, owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot and a highly respected certified parrot behavior consultant with a particular specialization in African grey parrots. Ms. Bono will provide a comprehensive report on the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, which convened on May 30-31, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. Her presentation will delve into the diverse array of speakers and topics presented at this unique gathering, offering insights into the operational aspects of such events and underscoring the critical importance of continuous learning for both pet bird owners and avian professionals. Registration for this complimentary educational event is now open.
The Significance of the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat is an annual cornerstone event for the avian community, meticulously organized by Phoenix Landing, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of parrots, alongside comprehensive education on avian welfare. Established with a mission to improve the lives of companion parrots through education and sanctuary, Phoenix Landing has grown into a vital resource for bird owners, foster parents, and advocates across the United States. Its educational initiatives are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide optimal care for these intelligent and complex creatures, thereby mitigating common issues that often lead to relinquishment or welfare concerns.
The Wellness Retreat, held in the picturesque setting of Asheville, North Carolina, served as a prime example of Phoenix Landing’s commitment to advanced avian education. Asheville, known for its vibrant arts scene and natural beauty, provides an ideal backdrop for an immersive learning experience, allowing attendees to engage deeply with the subject matter away from daily distractions. These retreats are distinguished by their multi-faceted approach, bringing together leading experts in avian veterinary medicine, behavior, nutrition, enrichment, and training. Unlike general pet care seminars, Phoenix Landing’s retreats are tailored specifically to the nuanced needs of parrot species, acknowledging their unique physiological and psychological requirements.
The May 30-31, 2026, event in Asheville featured an extensive curriculum designed to address both foundational and advanced aspects of parrot care. While the specific roster of speakers and their detailed topics will be elaborated upon by Lisa Bono during the webinar, typical discussions at such retreats often encompass subjects critical to long-term avian health and well-being. These commonly include the latest advancements in avian diagnostics and preventative medicine, comprehensive dietary planning for various parrot species, strategies for environmental enrichment to prevent boredom and behavioral issues, and positive reinforcement training techniques aimed at fostering a stronger bond between parrots and their human companions. Furthermore, sessions frequently cover critical topics such as managing common behavioral challenges like screaming or biting, understanding avian body language, emergency preparedness for bird owners, and the ethical considerations surrounding parrot ownership and conservation.
The retreat also serves as an invaluable networking opportunity. Attendees, ranging from seasoned parrot owners and breeders to aspiring avian professionals and individuals new to the world of companion birds, gain the chance to connect with peers and experts. This communal aspect fosters a supportive environment for sharing experiences, challenges, and successes, further enriching the learning process beyond formal lectures. The interactive format of the retreat, often incorporating Q&A sessions, hands-on workshops, and informal discussions, ensures that participants can directly engage with the material and apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
Spotlight on Lisa Bono, CPBC: Expertise in African Grey Parrots
Lisa Bono, CPBC, the featured guest for the upcoming webinar, brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the discussion. As the owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot, she has established herself as a preeminent figure in parrot behavior consulting. Her certification as a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC) signifies a rigorous level of training, experience, and ethical practice in the specialized field of avian behavior. CPBCs work to understand and modify undesirable behaviors in companion parrots, addressing issues that range from aggression and feather plucking to excessive screaming and phobias, always with a focus on improving the bird’s welfare and the human-animal bond.
Ms. Bono’s particular specialization in African grey parrots is noteworthy. African greys (Psittacus erithacus), renowned for their exceptional cognitive abilities, complex emotional lives, and remarkable capacity for speech, present unique challenges and rewards for their caregivers. These birds are known for their high intelligence, often compared to that of a human toddler, which necessitates constant mental stimulation and a rich, varied environment. Without adequate enrichment and proper behavioral guidance, African greys can develop a range of psychological and behavioral problems, making expert consultation invaluable.
Lisa Bono’s work at The Platinum Parrot often involves guiding owners through the intricacies of living with African greys, offering strategies for effective communication, enrichment design, and proactive problem-solving. Her deep understanding of the species’ inherent needs – from their specific dietary requirements to their complex social structures – allows her to provide tailored advice that genuinely enhances the lives of both bird and owner. Her insights into the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat are particularly significant because they will likely highlight how the retreat’s broader educational content can be applied specifically to the care of highly intelligent species like African greys, emphasizing the universal principles of positive reinforcement, environmental enrichment, and preventative health that benefit all parrots.
The Imperative of Continuous Avian Education
The upcoming webinar, and the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat it reports on, underscore a crucial message: the journey of pet bird ownership is one of continuous learning. Unlike more commonly understood companion animals, parrots possess lifespans that can span several decades, intricate social structures, and highly specialized needs that often surprise new owners. The science of avian care is also continuously evolving, with new research emerging regularly in areas such as nutrition, veterinary medicine, and ethology. Therefore, relying solely on outdated information or anecdotal advice can inadvertently compromise a bird’s health and well-being.
Laura Doering, in her role as webinar host, brings a historical perspective to this educational imperative. Her tenure as editor of influential publications like Bird Talk and Birds USA magazines placed her at the forefront of disseminating reliable avian information to a wide audience for many years. Her continued involvement in facilitating educational platforms like this webinar demonstrates a sustained commitment to advancing knowledge within the avian community. The choice of a live, interactive webinar format further emphasizes the commitment to accessible education. Online platforms remove geographical barriers, allowing a global audience to participate in discussions and Q&A sessions directly with experts, fostering a dynamic and responsive learning environment that mirrors the engagement of an in-person event. This accessibility is vital for ensuring that the latest information reaches a broad spectrum of bird owners and professionals, regardless of their location.
The importance of continuing education for bird owners and professionals extends beyond merely staying current with scientific advancements. It also involves fostering a proactive approach to pet care, enabling owners to recognize subtle signs of illness, prevent common behavioral issues before they escalate, and create environments that allow their birds to thrive mentally and physically. For avian professionals, ongoing learning is critical for maintaining professional competency, adopting best practices, and ensuring the highest standards of care in rescue, veterinary, and consulting roles.
Broader Impact and Implications for Avian Welfare
Events like the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat and subsequent educational webinars by experts such as Lisa Bono have far-reaching implications for the broader landscape of avian welfare. By promoting informed and responsible pet ownership, these initiatives directly contribute to reducing the number of birds relinquished to shelters or facing neglect due to owner ignorance or misunderstanding. A well-educated owner is better equipped to provide a stable, enriching, and healthy environment, leading to fewer behavioral problems and improved longevity for companion parrots.
Furthermore, the emphasis on specialized knowledge, particularly for species like African greys, highlights a growing trend towards recognizing the distinct needs of individual parrot species. This shift away from generic "bird care" advice towards species-specific understanding is crucial for the ethical keeping of parrots, many of which are wild-caught or have complex genetic predispositions. The insights shared at these events also empower owners to become better advocates for their birds, whether in interactions with veterinarians, during travel, or in seeking specialized products and services.
Phoenix Landing, through its retreats and educational outreach, plays a pivotal role in community building within the avian world. It creates a network of support, shared knowledge, and collective advocacy that strengthens the overall commitment to avian welfare. The ripple effect of such education extends beyond individual households, influencing breeders, pet stores, and even policymakers by raising awareness about the high standards of care required for these intelligent creatures. The webinar featuring Lisa Bono’s report on the retreat is not merely a recap; it is an extension of this vital educational mission, making the valuable insights from an exclusive in-person event accessible to a wider global audience, reinforcing the notion that responsible parrot ownership is a lifelong commitment to learning and adaptation.
For those dedicated to the well-being of their feathered companions or those considering bringing a parrot into their lives, participating in this webinar offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain expert knowledge directly from a leading voice in avian behavior. It stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts within the avian community to elevate standards of care and foster deeper, more meaningful relationships between humans and parrots. Attendees are strongly encouraged to register promptly to secure their virtual attendance for this insightful and impactful session.
