A free, live, and 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, hosted by Laura Doering, a former editor of prominent avian publications, 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. Bono will provide a comprehensive report on the retreat, which convened on May 30-31, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. This annual gathering serves as a vital platform for pet bird owners, offering a diverse array of lectures and discussions focused on various facets of avian care. Bono’s presentation will delve into the specific speakers and topics covered, illuminate the unique atmosphere and activities characteristic of such a meeting, and underscore the critical importance of continuous education for both bird owners and avian professionals.
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat: A Hub for Avian Enrichment
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat has established itself as a cornerstone event within the pet bird community, fostering a collaborative environment where knowledge is shared and best practices are disseminated. Held annually, this retreat brings together a diverse group of individuals, from novice bird guardians to seasoned avian veterinarians and behaviorists. The primary objective is to advance the understanding and application of humane and effective pet bird care, addressing the complex physical, psychological, and social needs of these intelligent creatures.
The location in Asheville, North Carolina, a region known for its natural beauty and a growing interest in holistic approaches to animal welfare, provides an ideal backdrop for a retreat focused on well-being. Phoenix Landing, as an organization, is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and lifelong sanctuary for parrots, and the retreat serves as an extension of their commitment to education and advocacy for avian welfare. The event typically features a curated selection of speakers, each an expert in their respective fields, covering topics that range from advanced nutritional science and disease prevention to intricate behavioral challenges and enrichment strategies.
Lisa Bono: An Expert Perspective on Avian Behavior and Welfare
Lisa Bono’s expertise in parrot behavior consulting, particularly with African grey parrots, makes her an invaluable voice for this webinar. African greys are renowned for their intelligence, complex social structures, and potential for intricate behavioral issues if not properly understood and managed. Bono’s firsthand account of the Phoenix Landing retreat will offer attendees a unique perspective on the latest research and practical applications in parrot care. Her role at The Platinum Parrot, a business likely focused on providing services and resources for parrot owners, further solidifies her practical understanding of the challenges and rewards of keeping these birds.
As a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC), Bono adheres to a stringent set of ethical and professional standards. This certification signifies a deep understanding of avian ethology, learning theory, and the ability to apply this knowledge to modify and improve bird behavior in a humane and effective manner. Her insights into the retreat’s discussions are expected to highlight the advancements in understanding parrot cognition, emotional well-being, and the development of enriching environments that promote natural behaviors and reduce stress.
Key Themes and Discussions from the 2026 Retreat
While the specific agenda for the May 30-31, 2026, retreat is not detailed in the provided information, Bono’s presentation will likely synthesize the core themes that emerged from the lectures and workshops. Based on the general focus of such events and Bono’s specialization, potential topics could include:
- Advanced Nutritional Strategies: Moving beyond basic seed and pellet diets to explore species-specific nutritional requirements, the role of whole foods, and addressing common dietary deficiencies that can lead to health problems. This could involve discussions on the latest research into micronutrients and their impact on immune function and feather quality.
- Behavioral Enrichment and Problem-Solving: Innovative approaches to environmental enrichment designed to stimulate parrots’ natural foraging behaviors, cognitive abilities, and social needs. This might include discussions on puzzle toys, foraging systems, training techniques using positive reinforcement, and addressing common behavioral issues such as feather plucking, aggression, or excessive vocalization.
- Understanding Parrot Psychology: Deeper dives into the emotional lives of parrots, including their capacity for complex emotions, social bonding, and the impact of their environment on their mental well-being. Discussions could focus on recognizing signs of stress, anxiety, or depression and implementing strategies to foster positive emotional states.
- Health and Veterinary Care Updates: Presentations by avian veterinarians on emerging health concerns, preventative care strategies, diagnostic advancements, and the importance of regular veterinary check-ups. This could also encompass discussions on the human-animal bond and its role in both physical and psychological health.
- The Human-Parrot Partnership: Emphasizing the ethical considerations of keeping parrots, the responsibilities of ownership, and the importance of building a strong, trusting relationship based on mutual understanding and respect. This might involve discussions on the long-term commitment required for parrot ownership, which can span several decades.
Bono’s report is anticipated to translate these complex topics into accessible information for a broad audience, highlighting actionable advice and insights that attendees can implement in their own homes.
The Importance of Continuous Learning in Avian Care
The webinar’s emphasis on the "importance for bird owners and professionals to continue learning through different avenues" is a crucial point. The field of avian science and veterinary medicine is constantly evolving, with new research shedding light on the intricate needs of these intelligent creatures. For pet bird owners, staying informed is not merely about providing basic care; it’s about ensuring their companions thrive and live fulfilling lives. For professionals, continuous education is essential to maintain the highest standards of care and to address the evolving challenges in avian health and behavior.
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, by bringing together experts and enthusiasts, creates an environment conducive to this ongoing learning process. It provides a space for dialogue, the sharing of anecdotal evidence, and the presentation of cutting-edge research. Bono’s role in summarizing these findings for a wider audience underscores the value of such educational initiatives in promoting responsible and informed pet bird ownership.
Background Context: The Rise of Avian Welfare Awareness
In recent decades, there has been a significant increase in public awareness regarding the welfare needs of exotic pets, particularly parrots. Once viewed primarily as decorative or entertaining companions, parrots are now increasingly recognized as highly intelligent, sentient beings with complex social, emotional, and physical requirements. This shift in understanding has been driven by several factors:
- Scientific Research: Advances in animal behavior, cognition, and veterinary medicine have provided profound insights into the lives of parrots. Studies have revealed their capacity for complex problem-solving, tool use, intricate social structures, and even the development of individual personalities.
- Advocacy Groups: Organizations like Phoenix Landing, alongside numerous other rescue and welfare groups, have played a pivotal role in educating the public about the realities of parrot ownership, the challenges of rehoming abandoned birds, and the ethical considerations involved.
- Media and Social Platforms: The proliferation of documentaries, educational videos, and social media content dedicated to bird behavior and welfare has made information more accessible to a wider audience, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Experienced Owners and Professionals: The collective experience of dedicated bird owners, breeders, veterinarians, and behavior consultants has generated a wealth of practical knowledge and best practices that are now being systematically shared and validated.
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat is a direct product of this growing awareness. It represents a commitment to proactive education, aiming to prevent the issues that often lead to birds being surrendered or experiencing compromised welfare. By focusing on "wellness," the retreat acknowledges that a bird’s well-being encompasses not just the absence of disease, but also the presence of positive emotional states, opportunities for natural behaviors, and a stimulating environment.
Chronology of the Event and Webinar
- May 30-31, 2026: The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat takes place in Asheville, North Carolina. This event brings together experts and bird enthusiasts for two days of lectures and discussions on pet bird care.
- May 2026 (leading up to June 5th): Lisa Bono, CPBC, attends the retreat and gathers information on the speakers, topics, and key takeaways. She likely reviews presentation materials and engages in discussions with other attendees and speakers.
- June 5, 2026, 12:00 p.m. PDT: The live, interactive webinar is scheduled. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear Lisa Bono’s comprehensive report on the retreat.
- Post-Webinar: While not explicitly stated, it is common for such webinars to be recorded and made available for later viewing, allowing those who could not attend live to still access the valuable information.
Supporting Data and Broader Implications
The success and continued relevance of events like the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat are underscored by growing statistics related to pet bird ownership and welfare concerns. While specific data points for 2026 are not yet available, trends from previous years indicate:
- Increasing Parrot Ownership: Despite the significant commitment involved, parrot ownership has seen a steady increase globally, driven by their intelligence and the appeal of a unique companion animal. This necessitates a greater demand for accurate and comprehensive care information.
- High Surrender Rates: Unfortunately, parrots are also among the most frequently surrendered pets, often due to a lack of understanding of their complex needs, leading to behavioral problems or unexpected long-term care requirements. Educational initiatives directly address this issue by equipping owners with the knowledge to prevent these outcomes.
- Longevity of Parrots: Many parrot species have lifespans comparable to humans, with some living for 50-80 years or even longer. This highlights the profound, lifelong commitment required and the critical importance of sustained, high-quality care throughout a bird’s life.
The implications of the information shared in Bono’s webinar are far-reaching. By disseminating expert knowledge, it aims to:
- Improve Pet Bird Welfare: Directly contributing to better care practices, leading to healthier, happier, and more well-adjusted companion parrots.
- Reduce Surrender Rates: Empowering owners with the knowledge and tools to address challenges proactively, thereby reducing the number of birds that are surrendered to rescue organizations.
- Advance Professional Standards: Providing professionals with access to the latest research and best practices, enabling them to offer even more effective care and guidance.
- Foster a More Informed Community: Building a stronger, more knowledgeable community of parrot enthusiasts who can support each other and advocate for avian welfare.
Registration and Access
Interested individuals are encouraged to register for the webinar via the provided link. This free event offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights from a leading expert and to learn about the latest developments in pet bird care. The use of a time zone converter is recommended to ensure participants can join at the appropriate local time. The interactive nature of the webinar suggests that attendees may have the opportunity to ask questions, further enhancing the learning experience.
In conclusion, the webinar featuring Lisa Bono’s report on the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat represents a significant educational opportunity for anyone involved with or interested in the care of pet parrots. It underscores the dynamic nature of avian welfare science and the indispensable role of continuous learning in ensuring these remarkable creatures receive the highest quality of care.
