A FREE live, interactive webinar offering an in-depth look at the recent Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, hosted by Lisa Bono, CPBC, will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. PDT. The session will provide attendees with insights into the lectures and discussions that took place during the May 30-31, 2026 event in Asheville, North Carolina, focusing on comprehensive pet bird care. Laura Doering, former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine, will moderate the webinar.
Background and Event Overview
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, an initiative aimed at fostering enhanced understanding and best practices in pet bird care, convened for its latest iteration on the weekend of May 30-31, 2026, in the scenic locale of Asheville, North Carolina. This specialized gathering serves as a crucial platform for both dedicated pet bird owners and professionals in the avian care field, offering a concentrated period of learning and networking. The retreat’s core mission revolves around disseminating knowledge on a broad spectrum of avian wellness, encompassing behavioral, nutritional, medical, and environmental aspects of keeping companion parrots.
Phoenix Landing, the organization behind this recurring event, has established itself as a significant entity in the realm of parrot welfare and education. While specific details about the organization’s founding and broader mission are not provided in the source material, such retreats typically aim to bridge the gap between scientific research, expert practical advice, and the everyday realities faced by those caring for these intelligent and complex creatures. The emphasis on "wellness" suggests a holistic approach, acknowledging that a bird’s health is influenced by a multitude of interconnected factors.
The format of the retreat traditionally includes a series of lectures and workshops delivered by leading experts in avian behavior, veterinary care, nutrition, and husbandry. These sessions are designed to be informative and engaging, often incorporating opportunities for Q&A and interactive discussions, thereby fostering a collaborative learning environment. The choice of Asheville, NC, as the venue likely offers a serene and conducive atmosphere for intensive learning and reflection, away from the typical distractions of urban settings.
The Role of Lisa Bono and Her Expertise
Lisa Bono, a Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC) and the owner and operator of The Platinum Parrot, is slated to be the special guest presenter for the upcoming webinar. Bono’s specialization in African grey parrots, a species renowned for its intelligence and complex behavioral needs, positions her as a valuable resource for disseminating information from the retreat. Her extensive experience working directly with parrots and their owners, coupled with her formal certification, underscores her credibility in addressing the intricate challenges and rewards of companion parrot keeping.
As a CPBC, Bono has undergone rigorous training and assessment to demonstrate proficiency in understanding and modifying parrot behavior. This certification is often sought by individuals who are dedicated to ethical and science-based approaches to parrot behavior modification and training. Her role in reporting on the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat signifies her commitment to sharing knowledge and promoting best practices within the avian community. The Platinum Parrot, her business, likely serves as a hub for training, consulting, and potentially retail of specialized bird products, further cementing her practical expertise.
Her involvement suggests that the webinar will offer a practical, owner-centric perspective on the retreat’s proceedings, translating expert lectures into actionable advice for the average bird owner. This is particularly important given the often-misunderstood needs of parrots and the significant commitment they require.
Webinar Details and Registration
The webinar is scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, commencing at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Recognizing the global nature of bird enthusiasts and professionals, the organizers provide a crucial link to a time zone converter, enabling attendees to accurately ascertain the webinar’s start time in their respective local regions. This attention to detail ensures maximum accessibility and participation.
The webinar is being offered free of charge, a move that likely aims to democratize access to high-quality avian education. Free webinars on specialized topics are increasingly common in the digital age, allowing organizations to reach a wider audience and fulfill their educational mandates without the financial barriers that might be associated with in-person events.
Registration for the webinar is mandatory and can be completed through a provided Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yblYKo_PS5ShgxUb4tOpBQ. Early registration is advisable, as webinars often have capacity limits, and securing a spot ensures that participants receive any pre-webinar materials or important updates.
Agenda and Key Discussion Points
The webinar’s agenda, as outlined by the source, will center on Lisa Bono’s report from the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat. Attendees can anticipate a detailed overview of the various speakers and the topics they addressed during the May 30-31 event. This will likely include a synopsis of lectures covering a diverse range of subjects pertinent to avian welfare.
Potential topics that may have been covered at the retreat, and subsequently discussed by Bono, could include:
- Behavioral Enrichment: Strategies for preventing boredom, stereotypic behaviors, and aggression through appropriate environmental stimulation, foraging opportunities, and training.
- Nutritional Science: Updates on avian diets, the impact of nutrition on health and behavior, and practical advice for owners on preparing balanced meals.
- Veterinary Care and Preventative Medicine: Discussions on common avian diseases, diagnostic techniques, the importance of regular veterinary check-ups, and recognizing early signs of illness.
- Husbandry and Environmental Management: Best practices for cage setup, hygiene, temperature and humidity control, and creating a safe and stimulating living environment for parrots.
- Understanding Parrot Psychology: Deeper dives into the social structures, cognitive abilities, and emotional lives of parrots, emphasizing the importance of species-specific care.
- Socialization and Human-Parrot Interaction: Techniques for building strong, positive relationships with pet parrots, understanding their communication signals, and managing inter-species dynamics.
Bono’s presentation will not only detail the content of these lectures but also provide context on the overall atmosphere and impact of such a gathering. She is expected to elaborate on "what goes on at a meeting like this," suggesting an exploration of the networking opportunities, the shared passion among attendees, and the collaborative spirit that often characterizes such events.
Furthermore, Bono will likely address the "why it is important for bird owners and professionals to continue learning through different avenues." This aspect of her discussion will underscore the dynamic nature of avian science and the necessity of ongoing education. The field of companion animal care, particularly for species as complex as parrots, is constantly evolving with new research and insights. Remaining informed through retreats, webinars, scientific literature, and professional development is crucial for ensuring the highest standards of welfare.
Supporting Data and Industry Trends
The increasing demand for specialized knowledge in pet bird care is supported by growing trends in pet ownership and a greater awareness of animal welfare. The global pet care market is a multi-billion dollar industry, with a significant portion dedicated to specialized pet segments, including exotic birds. Data from market research firms often indicates a rise in the ownership of companion animals that require more intensive care and specialized knowledge, such as parrots. This trend necessitates a greater availability of educational resources and professional expertise.
According to reports from industry analysts, the companion bird segment, while smaller than the dog and cat segments, shows a dedicated and engaged consumer base willing to invest in high-quality care, nutrition, and enrichment products. This engagement fuels the demand for events like the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat and webinars like the one being offered.
Furthermore, the professionalization of avian care is a significant trend. The rise of certifications like CPBC, along with specialized veterinary training programs, signifies a move towards evidence-based practices and a higher standard of care. Organizations like Phoenix Landing and individuals like Lisa Bono are at the forefront of this movement, bridging the gap between scientific understanding and practical application.
Potential Reactions and Broader Impact
While no direct statements from related parties are available in the source material, it can be logically inferred that the announcement of this webinar would be met with enthusiasm from the avian community. Pet bird owners, often facing unique challenges due to the intelligence and longevity of their companions, are continuously seeking reliable information and support. The opportunity to learn directly from an expert like Lisa Bono, who will be relaying insights from a dedicated wellness retreat, is a significant draw.
Professionals in the field, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, trainers, and avian behavior consultants, would also likely view this webinar as a valuable professional development opportunity. Staying abreast of the latest research and best practices is paramount for providing effective and ethical care.
The broader impact of such webinars extends beyond individual learning. By disseminating expert knowledge, these events contribute to:
- Improved Pet Bird Welfare: Enhanced understanding leads to better care, reducing the incidence of behavioral problems, health issues, and relinquishment.
- Stronger Owner-Parrot Bonds: Owners equipped with knowledge are better able to meet their birds’ complex needs, leading to more fulfilling relationships.
- Professional Advancement: The availability of specialized education supports the growth and credibility of the avian care professional community.
- Public Awareness: Webinars and similar initiatives can raise broader public awareness about the needs of parrots as pets, encouraging responsible ownership.
The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat, and subsequently this webinar, represent a vital component in the ongoing effort to ensure that companion parrots lead healthy, happy, and enriched lives. The commitment to providing free access to such high-caliber information highlights a dedication to the welfare of these remarkable birds and the people who care for them. The event serves as a testament to the growing recognition of parrots not just as pets, but as intelligent, sentient beings deserving of specialized and informed care.
