PARROT EDUCATION and EVENTS

HOME	PARROT'S FUTURE	EVENTS	ADOPTION	RELINQUISH	PARROT CARE INFO	DONATE OR HELP	STORE	CONTACT US

PARROT ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Phoenix Landing hosts educational seminars featuring speakers with special knowledge or experience related to the welfare of parrots. Come and learn more about how parrots think and behave, how you can be a better parrot guardian, and what we can all do towards improving the welfare of parrots both in captivity and in the wild.

You can also meet some of our adoptable birds at most of our events, from parakeets to macaws. However, for health and safety reasons, we ask that you do not bring your birds. We are very careful to insure that foster birds at our events have been vetted, and we strive to minimize the spread of disease.

No registration or fees for our classes are required, unless otherwise specified, so please join us often! Of course we appreciate donations to help cover our facility and speaker costs, and sometimes we will even suggest one. However, we want everyone to come regardless of money. Please take the time to learn something new for your parrot.

We sell lots of wonderful parrot toys and supplies at most of our events, and appreciate your support. This is one of our primary means of paying for the needs of the parrots under our care. Shopping discounts are available through our Membership Program at www.phoenixlanding.membership.html

(*) indicates those classes that satisfy our adoption requirements such as Things I Wish I'd Known or A Parrot's Point of View. These are comprehensive care seminars, one of which is recommended for all adoptions. The behavior workshops (**) are especially important for those adopting the larger parrots, but are highly recommended for everyone who aspires to a positive relationship with their birds, from parakeets to macaws.

		Skills to Empower People to Understand Parrots (“STEP-UP") Four intensive workshops in Asheville, NC in 2012 designed to give people an abundance of information about parrot care, from behavior and health, to nutrition and enrichment. In addition to discussions and lectures, there will be hands-on training sessions, cooking classes, and time to discuss issues of specific importance to you. Limited to 6 participants. We will work with the current foster birds at The Landing, so you will be able to teach behavior, foraging and feeding new foods first hand. Cost is $325 per person. 2012 Dates: April 20-22; June 8-10; August 24-26; and November 9-11 For more information go to phoenixlanding.org/stepup.html

WELLNESS RETREAT
OCTOBER 20-21, 2012
A Weekend of Knowledge and Hands-On Training
An amazing combination of teachers will join us for an exceptional event in one of the most beautiful fall locations in the country. This retreat is an opportunity to learn about many aspects of avian health, from basic topics like feather health and nutrition, to the more complex issues like sensory perception and how the parrot brain functions. In addition, there will be side labs where you can acquire some hands-on training for things like how to medicate or towel your bird, how to make nutritious foods, or create some extraordinary enrichment items.
For more information and to register, go to: phoenixlanding.org/wellness retreat
We recommend making hotel reservations NOW!
Asheville is very busy during the fall leaf season.

JESSUP, MD SATURDAY May 19th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Jessup Baptist Church 2862 Jessup Rd (Route 175 at Brockbridge just off Route 295) Use rear entrance, lower level	FERN VAN SANT, DVM: HEART DISEASE & PREVENTION; MOVE IT!! As birds exist primarily as flighted animals, it is a wonder that we have generally adapted our approach to companion parrots as sedentary animals. Whether this approach is based on convenience or laziness, there is no doubt that it affects the sustainable health in our companion parrots. Evidence that our birds are suffering from degenerative conditions due primarily to high fat diets and lack of exercise has become more and more evident, and a significant number of parrots suffer from heart disease such as artheriosclerosis. Dr. Van Sant will discuss ways we can get our birds moving and living closer to the ways their bodies were meant to live. This is a very important event! Please join us.

FAIRFAX, VA SATURDAY May 19th 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services 4105 Rust Road	*BITING MATTERS, LIVING BITE FREE WITH YOUR PARROT There are several sure-fire ways to get bitten (e.g. poke your finger into your bird’s cage; chase the bird with your hand or a treat; force your bird to step up; or ignore your parrot’s body language). These are some of the time-honored techniques which can result in the best bites of your life, so why not learn how to avoid them altogether? Bites are painful, frustrating, dangerous and unnecessary. This class by Jenny Drummey, in combination with her book called Biting Matters,* will help us learn ways to reduce or eliminate this trust-destroying behavior, and how to live happily (and bite free!) with your bird.

ASHEVILLE, NC SATURDAY May 19th 10:00AM - 12:00 Noon 434 Cedar Hill Rd Alexander, NC Click for Directions	KARRIE NOTERMAN: AVIARIES AND PLAY AREAS Karrie Noterman is the co-owner of Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages. After spending time with wild parrots in many parts of the world, and as a trainer for bird shows, she has come to greatly appreciate the need for birds to have plenty of space for exercise, enrichment and social activities. Unfortunately, many birds in captivity live in woefully small cages, and lead lives far from the ways of their wild counterparts. Karrie really enjoys teaching people about how to build aviaries, which she believes can really expand their quality-of-life. She will cover several aspects of aviaries including construction, safety, and materials. Let's talk about how to give your bird some outdoor fun and get them moving!

ABINGDON, VA SUNDAY May 20th 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Highlands Animal Clinic 25011 Lee Highway	A PARROT'S POINT OF VIEW Parrots are built to fly, forage, and flock together, and in the wild they must be continually on alert for predators. These physical and social attributes still govern how a parrot adapts to their lives in our homes. Do you consider your parrot’s perspective in your daily routines and interactions? Perhaps sometimes you just don’t understand each other because you see things differently? Let’s talk about life from a “Parrot’s Point of View.” [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].*

SPRINGFIELD, VA SATURDAY June 2nd 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Grace Presbyterian Church 7434 Bath Street	ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: COMMON PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS We host a constant array of new and core classes, and we learn so much at each event. However, we rarely have time to talk in depth with each other about the many things we have learned while caring for our own parrots. Many of you have had experiences which are worth sharing - whether it a new idea about nutrition, enrichment, cage set-up, behavior or health; or maybe you made a mistake and learned something the hard way at your bird's expense. This class will be a moderated discussion about the wide spectrum of bird care topics, and we will try to touch on all the important areas. Bring all your ideas and questions!

WILMINGTON, NC SATURDAY June 2nd 11:00 AM -1:00 PM Myrtle Grove Branch of the New Hanover County Public Library 5155 South College Road	THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN A comprehensive parrot care class for the new and experienced alike. Great for the whole family! We promise you will learn something new. Topics include health, safety, nutrition, enrichment, behavior, and companionship. An essential class for our foster and adoption applicants, or those wishing to volunteer. A perfect class for anyone wishing to learn about the many aspects of parrot care, or meet other parrot providers. [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].*

CARY, NC SUNDAY June 3rd 1:00 PM -3:00PM AniMall www.animall.org Cary Towne Center Mall 1105 Walnut St, Ste 103	THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN A comprehensive parrot care class for the new and experienced alike. Great for the whole family! We promise you will learn something new. Topics include health, safety, nutrition, enrichment, behavior, and companionship. An essential class for our foster and adoption applicants, or those wishing to volunteer. A perfect class for anyone wishing to learn about the many aspects of parrot care, or meet other parrot providers. [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].*

FREDERICK, MD SATURDAY June 9th 10:00 AM -12:00 Noon Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1415 West 7th St. (right off I-270/15)	THINGS I WISH I'D KNOWN A comprehensive parrot care class for the new and experienced alike. Great for the whole family! We promise you will learn something new. Topics include health, safety, nutrition, enrichment, behavior, and companionship. An essential class for our foster and adoption applicants, or those wishing to volunteer. A perfect class for anyone wishing to learn about the many aspects of parrot care, or meet other parrot providers. [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].*

ASHEVILLE, NC SATURDAY June 16th 10:00AM - 12:00 Noon 434 Cedar Hill Rd Alexander, NC Click for Directions	THE CONTENTED COMPANION Looking for techniques to keep your parrot happy and calm? Come explore some ideas for meeting our parrots’ many needs, including tips for keeping those birdbrains thinking and engaged. We’ll touch on nutrition, socialization, and other stress relievers for our feathered companions. We hope you’ll join us for this creative and informative class.

WINCHESTER, VA SATURDAY June 16th 11:00AM - 1:00 PM Kernstown United Methodist Church 3239 Valley Pike	THE THREE ZONES OF HOME SAFETY WITH BIRDS Do you feel comfortable leaving your birds alone when you have to leave? Are they -- and you -- really prepared for emergencies? Come find out how much you know -- or don't know! Joe Arbogast, from the famed BirdSafe.com web site, will be our special guest for this special class. After the class, hopefully you will feel MORE uncomfortable about leaving your birds alone -- so learn what you can do to make life easier for all!

FAIRFAX, VA SUNDAY June 24th 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services 4105 Rust Road	A PARROT'S POINT OF VIEW Parrots are built to fly, forage, and flock together, and in the wild they must be continually on alert for predators. These physical and social attributes still govern how a parrot adapts to their lives in our homes. Do you consider your parrot’s perspective in your daily routines and interactions? Perhaps sometimes you just don’t understand each other because you see things differently? Let’s talk about life from a “Parrot’s Point of View.” [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].*

(*) For classes that satisfy our adoption requirements. Things I Wish I'd Known, The Contented Companion, A Parrot's Point of View and Synergy: Caring for the Whole Parrot are comprehensive care classes, one of which is recommended for all adoptions. (**) The behavior workshops are important
for those adopting the larger parrots, but are highly recommended for everyone who aspires to a positive relationship with their bird(s).

2012 SCHEDULE

VIRGINIA

July 14	Springfield	9th Annual Luau, Meet Adoptable Parrots!
July 28	Fairfax/SEAVS	Nourish to Flourish
August 4	Springfield	Interior Design for Cages: Let's Decorate a Cage from a Parrot's Point of View. We will then Raffle It!
August 26	Fairfax/SEAVS	* Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
September 8	Northern VA	Gina Robinson, DVM: The Avian Exam, Step-By-Step
September 15	Winchester	* A Parrot's Point of View
September 29	Fairfax/SEAVS	** Behavior Workshop: Clicker Training for Parrots
September 30	Abingdon	Edible Enrichments and Foraging for Food
October 6	Northern VA	2nd Annual Fall Festival: Meet Adoptable Parrots!
October 28	Fairfax/Pender	* A Parrot's Point of View
November 3	Northern VA	Jeleen Briscoe DVM, USDA: Can Federal Regulations Protect Parrot Welfare?
November 17	Fairfax/SEAVS	* Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
November 18	Abingdon	** Jenny Drummey: Biting Matters
December 1	Northern VA	Annual Conservation Event: Donald Brightsmith, Ph.D.; Director of the Tampobata Macaw Project in Peru
December 9	Fairfax/SEAVS	** Behavior Workshop: Biting Matters

MARYLAND

July 21	Towson	Synergy: Caring for the Whole Parrot
July 21	Towson	Behavior Workshop: Teaching Husbandry Skills
August 11	Annapolis	Parrot Psyche 101: The Mental and Emotional Connection
September 16	Bel Air	Nourish to Flourish: Mastering Mashes
October 27	Frederick	* Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
October 27	Frederick	** Behavior Workshop: Biting Matters
December 9	Annapolis	Toy-Making Workshop

NORTH CAROLINA

July 21	Asheville	** Behavior Workshop: Trick Training
August 5	Cary	Nourish To Flourish: Edible Enrichments
August 18	Asheville	Beth Rhyne, DVM: The Avian Exam and Bloodwork NEW DATE!
August 24-26	Asheville	"Step-Up!" Skills To Empower People to Understand Parrots Workshop
September 15	Asheville	Event on this date cancelled
October 7	Cary	* A Parrot's Point of View
October 13	Asheville	* A Parrot's Point of View
October 20-21	Asheville	WELLNESS RETREAT: Susan Orosz, DVM; Pamela Clark, CVT; Frank Rutowski, DVM; Kris Porter; and Jenny Drummey
November 9-11	Asheville	"Step-Up!" Skills To Empower People to Understand Parrots Workshop
November 17	Asheville	** Jenny Drummey: Biting Matters
December 2	Cary	* Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
December 15	Asheville	Nourish to Flourish; Let's Make Mash!

* A core parrot care class that coincides with our adoption process ** A behavior class that is highly recommended for everyone with parrots