A complimentary live, interactive webinar offering an in-depth look at the recent Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PDT. The session will feature Lisa Bono, CPBC, owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot and a certified parrot behavior consultant with a specialization in African grey parrots. Hosted by Laura Doering, a respected figure in avian publications, formerly the editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine, the webinar aims to provide pet bird owners and professionals with valuable insights into advanced avian care and welfare.
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, which took place from May 30-31, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina, is a significant event in the avian community. This gathering serves as a crucial platform for the exchange of knowledge and best practices concerning the well-being of companion parrots. The retreat typically features a comprehensive program of lectures and workshops designed to address the multifaceted aspects of pet bird care, ranging from nutritional science and behavioral enrichment to veterinary advancements and the human-animal bond.
Lisa Bono, a prominent voice in parrot behavior consulting, will be sharing her experiences and key takeaways from the recent retreat. Her expertise, particularly with African grey parrots, a species known for its intelligence and complex social needs, makes her a highly qualified source to distill the essence of the event. Bono’s presentation will delve into the specific speakers and topics covered during the Asheville retreat, offering attendees a virtual tour of the learning opportunities that were made available. She will also elaborate on the overarching philosophy and importance of such gatherings for the continuous education of bird owners and veterinary professionals.
The webinar is being offered free of charge, underscoring a commitment to accessibility and the widespread dissemination of critical information within the pet bird community. Registration for the event is now open, directing interested participants to a dedicated Zoom registration link. Attendees are advised to utilize the provided time zone converter to confirm the webinar’s start time in their respective local regions, given the global reach of the online format.
Background and Significance of the Phoenix Landing Retreat
Phoenix Landing is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abused, neglected, and surrendered parrots. Founded with the mission of providing a safe haven for parrots in need, the organization has grown to become a vital resource for parrot welfare in the United States. The Wellness Retreat is one of their flagship initiatives, designed not only to support their own mission but also to elevate the standards of care within the broader pet parrot community.
The retreat’s location in Asheville, North Carolina, a region known for its natural beauty and a growing interest in holistic and natural approaches to well-being, often mirrors the event’s focus on the comprehensive health of companion birds. The timing of the retreat, typically held in late spring, allows for an optimal environment for both indoor learning sessions and potential outdoor observation or engagement, if applicable to the retreat’s programming.
Historically, such retreats have evolved from informal gatherings of dedicated enthusiasts into structured educational events featuring leading experts in avian veterinary medicine, behavior, nutrition, and husbandry. The shift towards evidence-based practices and a deeper understanding of avian cognition has been a hallmark of recent advancements in parrot care, and events like the Phoenix Landing retreat are instrumental in disseminating this evolving knowledge. The inclusion of certified parrot behavior consultants like Lisa Bono signifies a growing recognition of the importance of behavioral science in ensuring the psychological well-being of parrots, which are highly intelligent and social animals.
Key Themes and Expected Content from Lisa Bono
Lisa Bono’s presentation is anticipated to cover a spectrum of topics that were central to the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat. Based on the typical curriculum of such events and Bono’s specialization, attendees can expect discussions on:
- Behavioral Enrichment and Training: Insights into innovative methods for stimulating parrots mentally and physically, addressing common behavioral issues such as feather plucking, aggression, and excessive vocalization. This may include discussions on positive reinforcement techniques and understanding the underlying causes of problematic behaviors.
- Nutrition and Diet: Updates on the latest scientific understanding of parrot nutrition, emphasizing the importance of balanced diets and the potential pitfalls of commercial bird foods. Speakers at such retreats often highlight the benefits of species-specific dietary plans and the incorporation of fresh foods.
- Avian Health and Veterinary Care: Information on preventative health measures, common avian diseases, diagnostic approaches, and advancements in veterinary treatment. The role of regular veterinary check-ups and the importance of recognizing early signs of illness will likely be a focal point.
- The Human-Parrot Bond: Discussions on fostering a healthy and enriching relationship between owners and their parrots, focusing on communication, trust, and mutual respect. This aspect is crucial for addressing issues arising from miscommunication or unmet social needs of parrots.
- Rescue and Rehabilitation Insights: Given the host organization’s mission, there might be elements discussing the challenges and triumphs of parrot rescue, rehabilitation protocols, and the ethical considerations of parrot ownership and rehoming.
Bono’s role as a presenter and participant at the retreat positions her to offer a unique perspective, bridging the gap between the theoretical knowledge presented by speakers and the practical application for bird owners. Her commentary will likely highlight the most impactful sessions and actionable advice that attendees can implement in their daily care routines.
Supporting Data and Research in Avian Welfare
The increasing focus on scientific research in avian welfare is a critical underpinning of events like the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat. Studies over the past decade have consistently demonstrated the profound impact of environmental enrichment, social interaction, and appropriate diet on the physical and psychological health of parrots. For instance, research published in journals like the Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery has detailed how enriched environments can reduce stress-induced behaviors and improve overall well-being. Data from behavioral studies often highlight that parrots in captivity require complex cognitive challenges and social engagement akin to their wild counterparts to thrive.
Furthermore, nutritional science has seen significant advancements, with studies debunking outdated feeding practices and advocating for more varied and natural diets. The shift from seed-only diets to those incorporating a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, and specialized pelleted foods is supported by research indicating improved immune function and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as obesity and fatty liver disease in pet parrots.
Behavioral consulting, as practiced by Lisa Bono, is increasingly grounded in ethological principles, drawing from the study of animal behavior in natural settings. This scientific approach allows for a more effective understanding and management of parrot behavior, moving beyond punitive methods to focus on addressing the root causes of distress or undesirable actions. The growing body of evidence supporting these modern approaches underscores the necessity of continuous learning for all stakeholders in the pet bird community.
Chronology of the Event and Webinar
- May 30-31, 2026: The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat is held in Asheville, North Carolina. This two-day event convenes avian experts, rescue organizations, and pet bird owners for educational sessions and networking.
- Early June 2026: Lisa Bono, a participant and presenter at the retreat, prepares to share her insights.
- June 5, 2026, 12:00 p.m. PDT: The live, interactive webinar, "Inside Phoenix Landing Retreat with Lisa Bono," takes place. This session offers a post-event debrief and educational opportunity for a wider audience.
- Ongoing: Registration remains open for the webinar, allowing individuals to sign up and access the live session or potentially a recording, depending on the host’s policy.
The webinar serves as a vital extension of the retreat itself, democratizing access to the knowledge shared by experts and providing a platform for broader engagement with the principles of optimal parrot care. This chronological progression highlights the event’s lifecycle, from its planning and execution to its post-event dissemination of information.
Official Statements and Reactions
While direct statements from Phoenix Landing regarding this specific webinar are not provided in the source material, the organization’s consistent commitment to education and advocacy for parrot welfare can be inferred. Their work in rescue and rehabilitation inherently involves educating the public on responsible pet ownership, and events like the Wellness Retreat are a testament to this dedication.
Laura Doering, as a former editor of prominent avian publications, has a long-standing reputation for promoting accurate and accessible information about pet birds. Her involvement as the host further lends credibility to the webinar, signaling a focus on journalistic integrity and expert-led content.
Lisa Bono’s participation, specifically as a certified behavior consultant and owner of a specialized parrot business, suggests her deep engagement with the practical challenges and successes in parrot care. Her reporting on the retreat is likely to be informed by her extensive hands-on experience and her professional network within the avian community.
The proactive offering of this webinar by the organizers (presumably linked to Lafeber Company, a known entity in avian health information) reflects a strategic approach to knowledge dissemination. By providing a free, accessible platform, they aim to reach a broad audience, from novice bird owners to seasoned professionals, thereby contributing to a collective improvement in the standard of care for companion parrots.
Broader Impact and Implications for Avian Welfare
The "Inside Phoenix Landing Retreat with Lisa Bono" webinar holds significant implications for the broader landscape of avian welfare. By making the insights from a specialized retreat accessible to a wider audience, it facilitates a crucial uplift in the knowledge base of pet bird owners. This can lead to several positive outcomes:
- Reduced Surrender Rates: Enhanced understanding of parrot behavior and needs can help owners address challenges proactively, potentially reducing instances of frustration and subsequent bird surrenders to rescue organizations.
- Improved Quality of Life for Companion Parrots: Owners equipped with up-to-date information on nutrition, enrichment, and health are better positioned to provide their birds with a higher quality of life, fostering greater physical and psychological well-being.
- Professional Development for Avian Professionals: Veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and other animal care professionals can benefit from the latest research and practical applications discussed, enhancing their ability to provide informed care.
- Increased Awareness of Parrot Needs: The webinar can serve as an educational tool, raising awareness about the complex needs of parrots as pets, including their long lifespans, intelligence, and social requirements, thereby promoting more responsible ownership.
- Strengthening of the Avian Community: Online platforms like this webinar foster a sense of community among bird enthusiasts and professionals, encouraging the sharing of experiences and collective problem-solving.
In essence, initiatives that bridge the gap between expert knowledge and public accessibility are instrumental in advancing the welfare of companion animals. The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, amplified through this webinar, represents a valuable contribution to this ongoing effort, promoting a more informed, compassionate, and effective approach to parrot care. The continued growth and success of such educational endeavors are critical for ensuring that companion parrots receive the specialized care and attention they deserve throughout their long lives.
