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. Hosted by Laura Doering, a prominent figure in avian publications, the session will feature Lisa Bono, CPBC, owner of The Platinum Parrot and a certified parrot behavior consultant with a specialization in African grey parrots. Bono will share her insights from the retreat, which took place from May 30-31, 2026, in Asheville, North Carolina. This event, dedicated to the comprehensive care of pet birds, convened bird owners and professionals for a series of lectures addressing various facets of avian well-being. The webinar aims to provide attendees with a detailed overview of the speakers, topics covered, and the overall atmosphere of such gatherings, underscoring the importance of continuous learning for those involved in the pet bird community.
The Significance of the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat represents a vital gathering for individuals committed to the health and happiness of their companion parrots. Held annually, these retreats serve as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, skill development, and community building within the avian care sector. Asheville, North Carolina, chosen for its serene environment, often provides a conducive backdrop for focused learning and networking. The retreat’s curriculum typically spans a wide array of subjects, from advanced nutritional science and veterinary care to behavioral enrichment and the creation of optimal living environments for parrots.
The timing of the webinar, shortly after the conclusion of the retreat, allows for immediate dissemination of the latest information and best practices. This timely approach ensures that the insights gained by attendees and speakers can be quickly shared with a broader audience, fostering a more informed and engaged pet bird ownership community.
Expert Insights from Lisa Bono
Lisa Bono’s expertise in parrot behavior, particularly with African greys, positions her as an ideal commentator for the webinar. African greys are renowned for their intelligence, complex social needs, and potential for developing behavioral issues if not properly understood and managed. Bono’s role as a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC) signifies a rigorous level of training and practical experience in addressing these challenges. Her direct involvement in the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat allows her to offer firsthand accounts of the discussions and presentations that shaped the event.
During the webinar, Bono is expected to elaborate on the specific challenges and triumphs discussed by speakers, potentially including topics such as:
- Advanced Nutritional Strategies: Beyond basic seed and pellet diets, exploring the nuances of species-specific nutrition, the role of fresh foods, and addressing common dietary deficiencies.
- Behavioral Modification Techniques: Practical applications for common behavioral issues like feather plucking, aggression, and excessive vocalization, drawing from evidence-based scientific approaches.
- Environmental Enrichment: Designing stimulating and safe living spaces that cater to a parrot’s natural instincts for foraging, climbing, and social interaction.
- The Human-Avian Bond: Fostering healthy and mutually beneficial relationships between owners and their parrots, emphasizing communication and understanding.
- Health and Veterinary Care Updates: Insights into preventative health measures, common avian diseases, and advancements in diagnostic and treatment protocols.
Bono’s commentary will likely highlight the practical takeaways from these sessions, translating complex scientific information into actionable advice for pet bird owners.
Laura Doering: A Guiding Voice in Avian Media
Laura Doering’s extensive background as the former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine lends significant credibility to her role as moderator. These publications have long been recognized as authoritative sources of information for pet bird enthusiasts. Doering’s familiarity with the avian community and her ability to facilitate engaging discussions will ensure that the webinar is both informative and accessible to a wide range of participants, from novice bird owners to seasoned professionals. Her presence signifies a commitment to delivering high-quality content that addresses the evolving needs of the pet bird community.
The Importance of Continuous Learning in Avian Care
The pet bird industry, while passionate, is constantly evolving as scientific understanding of avian welfare advances. Events like the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat and subsequent webinars are critical for ensuring that owners and professionals stay abreast of these developments. The commitment to ongoing education is paramount for several reasons:
- Preventative Health: A deeper understanding of avian physiology and behavior can help owners identify potential health issues early, leading to prompt veterinary intervention and better outcomes.
- Behavioral Well-being: Many common behavioral problems in pet birds stem from a lack of understanding of their complex needs. Education empowers owners to provide appropriate stimulation, training, and social interaction, thereby preventing distress and behavioral disorders.
- Species-Specific Needs: Parrots are not monolithic; different species have distinct requirements related to diet, social structure, and environmental enrichment. Tailored knowledge is essential for species-appropriate care.
- Ethical Ownership: As our understanding of animal sentience grows, so does the ethical imperative to provide the highest standard of care. Education is a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership.
The webinar’s emphasis on the importance of learning through "different avenues" suggests a recognition that knowledge acquisition is not confined to formal lectures but can also occur through peer-to-peer learning, practical application, and continuous engagement with research and expert opinion.
Background of Phoenix Landing
Phoenix Landing, the organization behind the wellness retreat, is a non-profit entity dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of parrots. Their work often involves providing sanctuary for birds that have been surrendered, abandoned, or confiscated due to neglect or abuse. By organizing events like the wellness retreat, Phoenix Landing not only supports its own mission through fundraising and awareness but also invests in the broader community of parrot owners and advocates. This dual focus on direct rescue and educational outreach underscores their comprehensive approach to improving the lives of parrots.
The retreat’s location in Asheville, North Carolina, a region known for its natural beauty and a growing community of animal welfare advocates, likely contributes to the positive and supportive atmosphere of the event. The choice of venue can significantly impact the overall experience, offering a tranquil setting conducive to learning and reflection.
Chronology of the Event and Webinar
- May 30-31, 2026: Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat is held in Asheville, NC. During this period, avian experts, veterinarians, and behaviorists deliver lectures and workshops on various aspects of pet bird care. Lisa Bono attends and participates in the event, gathering information and insights.
- June 5, 2026 (12:00 p.m. PDT): The live, interactive webinar takes place. Laura Doering moderates, and Lisa Bono presents her findings and analysis from the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions.
The structure of the webinar, featuring a firsthand report from an attendee and expert, allows for a dynamic and engaging presentation of information. Bono’s role as a CPBC means she can contextualize the retreat’s content within current best practices and scientific understanding.
Supporting Data and Potential Discussion Points
While specific data from the retreat is not provided in the initial announcement, the topics covered at such events typically draw from a growing body of scientific research in avian behavior and welfare. For instance, discussions on feather plucking might reference studies on environmental stressors, nutritional deficiencies, and the role of psychological well-being. Similarly, advancements in parrot nutrition are often informed by research into their natural diets, metabolic processes, and the impact of various food components on long-term health.
Given Bono’s specialization, it is highly probable that the webinar will touch upon:
- Prevalence of Behavioral Issues: Data on the commonality of behavioral problems in companion parrots, often cited as a primary reason for surrender to rescue organizations.
- Impact of Enrichment: Evidence demonstrating how increased environmental enrichment can reduce stress behaviors and improve overall parrot welfare.
- Species-Specific Demands: A breakdown of the distinct needs of popular parrot species, such as African greys, Amazons, macaws, and cockatoos, in terms of social interaction, diet, and habitat.
- Owner Education Statistics: Data highlighting the correlation between informed ownership and reduced instances of neglect, abuse, or relinquishment.
These points, when discussed by an expert like Bono, can provide attendees with a concrete understanding of the challenges and solutions in modern pet parrot care.
Registration and Accessibility
The announcement includes a clear call to action: "Register Now," with a direct link to the Zoom webinar registration page. This indicates a commitment to making the event accessible to a global audience. The use of a time zone converter link is also a thoughtful inclusion, acknowledging the diverse geographical locations of potential attendees and ensuring they can accurately determine the webinar’s start time in their local area. The designation of the webinar as "FREE" further enhances its accessibility, removing financial barriers to participation and promoting widespread knowledge dissemination.
Broader Impact and Implications
The webinar’s existence and content have several broader implications for the pet bird community and avian welfare:
- Elevating Standards of Care: By sharing information from specialized events like the Phoenix Landing retreat, the webinar contributes to raising the overall standards of pet bird care. This can lead to healthier, happier birds and more fulfilling relationships between birds and their owners.
- Promoting Responsible Ownership: Education is a key component of responsible pet ownership. Webinars like this empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about acquiring, caring for, and managing their avian companions.
- Supporting Rescue Efforts: Increased awareness and education can indirectly support organizations like Phoenix Landing by reducing the number of birds that require rescue in the first place. When owners are better equipped to handle challenges, fewer birds end up in need of sanctuary.
- Fostering a Connected Community: These virtual events create opportunities for like-minded individuals to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other, strengthening the avian community.
The focus on continuous learning, as highlighted by Bono and Doering, is particularly critical in an era where scientific understanding of animal cognition and welfare is rapidly expanding. The ability to translate this evolving knowledge into practical, accessible advice is what makes such initiatives invaluable. The webinar serves as a bridge, connecting specialized knowledge gained at an in-person retreat to a wider audience, thereby amplifying its positive impact on the lives of countless companion parrots.
