A free, live, and interactive webinar featuring Lisa Bono, CPBC, will offer attendees an in-depth look at the recent Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat. The session is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PDT. Hosted by Laura Doering, a former editor of prominent avian publications such as Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine, the webinar aims to provide valuable insights into the multifaceted world of pet bird care.
Webinar Details and Host
The webinar, titled "Inside Phoenix Landing Retreat with Lisa Bono," is designed to be a comprehensive exploration of the recent wellness retreat, offering a platform for education and discussion among pet bird owners, enthusiasts, and professionals. Laura Doering, with her extensive background in avian journalism, brings a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of the pet bird community. Her role as host will facilitate a dynamic and engaging presentation, ensuring that attendees receive clear and accessible information. The choice of Doering to host underscores the webinar’s commitment to providing expert-led content.
Special Guest: Lisa Bono, CPBC
The featured speaker, Lisa Bono, is a highly respected figure in the avian behavior consulting field. As the owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot, she has dedicated her career to understanding and improving the lives of pet birds, with a particular specialization in African grey parrots. Her certification as a Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC) signifies a rigorous standard of knowledge and ethical practice in behavior modification and welfare. Bono’s participation promises an insider’s perspective on the Phoenix Landing Retreat, drawing upon her direct experience and expertise. Her focus on African greys, known for their complex cognitive abilities and social needs, highlights the depth of understanding required in advanced pet bird care.
Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat: An Overview
The webinar will center on the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, which took place on May 30-31, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. This retreat represents a significant gathering for individuals passionate about the well-being of their companion parrots. Such events are crucial for fostering a community dedicated to advancing the standards of care for these intelligent and sensitive creatures. Phoenix Landing, as an organization, is dedicated to the welfare of parrots, often focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, and education. The wellness retreat specifically targets owners and professionals, offering a concentrated period of learning and networking.
The retreat itself is designed to be a comprehensive educational experience. Attendees typically engage in lectures, workshops, and discussions covering a wide spectrum of topics essential for optimal pet bird health and happiness. These can include nutrition, environmental enrichment, behavior management, understanding avian psychology, medical care, and the human-avian bond. The location in Asheville, NC, known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere, likely contributes to a relaxed and conducive learning environment.
Key Discussion Points from the Retreat
Lisa Bono is expected to share detailed accounts of the speakers and the specific topics addressed at the May 2026 retreat. This will provide attendees with a preview of the cutting-edge information and best practices being discussed within the avian community. The webinar will delve into the "what goes on at a meeting like this," offering a glimpse into the interactive nature of the sessions, the types of questions posed by participants, and the expertise shared by presenters.
Furthermore, Bono will articulate the importance of continuous learning for both pet bird owners and professionals. In an era where scientific understanding of avian cognition and welfare is rapidly evolving, staying informed is paramount. The webinar will likely highlight how such retreats serve as vital avenues for this ongoing education, offering opportunities to learn from leading experts, share experiences, and build a stronger, more knowledgeable community. The emphasis on "different avenues" suggests that the retreat offers a multifaceted approach to learning, potentially incorporating hands-on demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and peer-to-peer learning.
Background Context: The Importance of Specialized Avian Education
The proliferation of exotic birds as pets has created a growing need for specialized knowledge and resources dedicated to their care. Parrots, in particular, are known for their intelligence, long lifespans, and complex social structures, mirroring many aspects of human interaction. This complexity necessitates a level of care that extends far beyond basic sustenance. Without adequate understanding, owners can inadvertently contribute to behavioral problems, health issues, and compromised welfare for their avian companions.
Organizations like Phoenix Landing play a crucial role in addressing this educational gap. By organizing events such as the wellness retreat, they provide a structured environment for the dissemination of accurate, evidence-based information. The fact that the retreat focuses on "many aspects of pet bird care" indicates a holistic approach, acknowledging that a bird’s well-being is influenced by a multitude of factors.
The history of pet bird ownership has seen shifts from viewing birds as ornamental to recognizing them as sentient beings with distinct needs. This evolution has been driven by scientific research, advocacy efforts, and the growing realization among owners that a deeper understanding leads to more fulfilling relationships with their pets. The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat is a testament to this maturing perspective, offering a platform for owners to move beyond superficial care and engage with the nuanced requirements of parrot companionship.
Supporting Data and Trends in Avian Welfare
While specific data from the May 2026 retreat is not yet available, broader trends in avian welfare education and the pet bird industry can provide context. For instance, studies have consistently shown a correlation between owner knowledge and the long-term health and behavioral stability of pet birds. A 2020 survey conducted by the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) indicated that 70% of respondents reported experiencing at least one significant behavioral issue with their pet bird, with common problems including feather plucking, aggression, and excessive vocalization. These issues are often rooted in a lack of understanding of natural behaviors, inadequate environmental enrichment, or improper socialization.
The increasing availability of certified behavior consultants, such as Lisa Bono, reflects a growing professionalization of the field and a greater recognition of the specialized expertise required to address complex avian behavioral challenges. The existence of organizations like Phoenix Landing, which often maintain sanctuaries and provide rescue services, also highlights the ongoing need for education to prevent birds from ending up in situations where their welfare is compromised. The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, therefore, emerges as a proactive measure to equip owners with the knowledge to prevent such outcomes.
Timeline and Chronology of Events
- May 30-31, 2026: The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat is held in Asheville, North Carolina. This event brings together experts and pet bird owners for intensive learning and discussion on various aspects of avian care.
- June 5, 2026, 12:00 p.m. PDT: The free, live, and interactive webinar, "Inside Phoenix Landing Retreat with Lisa Bono," takes place. This session is hosted by Laura Doering and features Lisa Bono, CPBC, as the special guest speaker.
- Pre-Webinar: Potential attendees are encouraged to register for the webinar via the provided Zoom link. This step ensures they receive access details and any preparatory materials. The use of a time zone converter is recommended to accommodate participants from diverse geographical locations.
Statements and Reactions (Inferred)
While direct statements from organizers or attendees of the retreat are not provided, one can infer the general sentiment and anticipation surrounding such events. Organizers of the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat likely aim to foster a sense of community and shared purpose among participants. Their objective would be to empower attendees with practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to improve the lives of their companion birds.
Attendees, on the other hand, likely approach such retreats with a desire to deepen their understanding, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain practical solutions to common challenges. The opportunity to learn from a recognized expert like Lisa Bono, and to hear firsthand about the discussions and outcomes of the retreat, would be a significant draw. The fact that the webinar is free suggests a commitment to accessibility, aiming to reach a broad audience within the pet bird community.
Broader Impact and Implications
The webinar and the retreat it discusses have several broader implications for the pet bird community and the welfare of companion parrots.
- Enhanced Owner Education: By providing accessible platforms like this webinar, the organizers are directly contributing to a more informed pet bird owner base. Increased knowledge translates into better care, leading to healthier, happier, and more behaviorally sound companion birds.
- Professional Development: For avian professionals, veterinarians, and trainers, such events offer opportunities for continuing education, staying abreast of the latest research, and networking with peers. This elevates the standard of care across the industry.
- Prevention of Welfare Issues: A well-informed owner is less likely to encounter common behavioral problems that can lead to bird abandonment or rehoming. This proactive approach can help reduce the burden on avian rescue organizations.
- Strengthening the Human-Avian Bond: When owners understand the complex needs of their parrots, they can foster deeper, more rewarding relationships. This leads to greater mutual respect and understanding between humans and their avian companions.
- Advocacy for Avian Welfare: By highlighting the importance of specialized care and education, events like these implicitly advocate for improved welfare standards for all pet birds. They contribute to a growing cultural awareness of birds as intelligent, sentient beings deserving of a high quality of life.
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, and the subsequent webinar detailing its proceedings, represent a valuable contribution to the ongoing effort to elevate the standards of care for pet birds. Lisa Bono’s expertise, coupled with Laura Doering’s journalistic acumen, promises an informative and engaging session that will benefit a wide range of individuals invested in the well-being of their feathered companions. The commitment to sharing this knowledge through a free webinar underscores the dedication of these individuals and organizations to advancing avian welfare.
