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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.



step up!
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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.


FAIRFAX, VA
SATURDAY
January 28th

10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services
4105 Rust 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 many aspects of parrot care, or meet other parrot providers. [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].
ABINGDON, VA
SUNDAY
January 29th
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Highlands Animal Clinic
25011 Lee Highway
Exit 19, off I81
**CLICKER TRAINING FOR PARROTS
Clicker training is a fun way to interact with your bird, but it's also a useful tool for addressing behavioral issues. Once you apply the principles of clicker training to your daily interactions -- regardless of whether your bird is young, old, tame or not-yet-tame, a clown or a perch potato -- you will be amazed at how effectively you will be able to communicate with each other, how much faster you'll build trust, and how quickly your parrot will learn tricks that delight and amaze. This class will be an introduction to clicker training for birds, how it works, why it works, strategies for dealing with "problem" behaviors, ideas for getting started, and pitfalls to avoid.
SPRINGFIELD, VA
SATURDAY
February 4th

10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Grace Presbyterian Church
7434 Bath Street
SCOTT STAHL, DVM: COMMON AVIAN EMERGENCIES
This lecture will focus on common pet bird emergencies. It will be an advanced lecture to help owners understand how veterinarians approach these critical cases. Clinical presentation, diagnostic testing and treatment for these bird emergencies will be discussed in detail. Having a better understanding of these emergency conditions will allow bird owners to identify problems sooner and determine whether they can deal with a crisis at home or if they need veterinary assistance.
JACKSONVILLE, NC
SATURDAY
February 4th

12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM
Onslow County Public Library
58 Doris Ave E
* 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 many aspects of parrot care, or meet other parrot providers. [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].
Zeus
CARY, NC
SUNDAY
February 5th

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
AniMall
Cary Towne Center Mall
1105 Walnut St, Ste 103
* 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].
verde
EDGEWATER, MD
SUNDAY
February 12th
12:00 Noon
- 2:00 PM
Knights of Columbus Hall
2590 Solomons Island Rd
* 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].
PPV
EDGEWATER, MD
SUNDAY
February 12th
2:30 PM
- 4:00PM
Knights of Columbus Hall
2590 Solomons Island Rd
NOURISH TO FLOURISH: THE BASICS
A good diet can help prevent disease and ill health. Food can also be restorative, helping our bodies heal. Providing a parrot with a varied diet is important for both physical nutrition, as well as mental stimulation and emotional well being. Come learn ways to enrich your parrot’s life by offering a variety of fresh and cooked wholesome foods, sprouts, herbs and spices. We will talk through the various food groups and how they can benefit your bird's health,
ASHEVILLE, NC
SATURDAY
February 25th
10:00AM - 12:00 Noon
434 Cedar Hill Rd
Alexander, NC
Click for Directions
**CLICKER TRAINING FOR PARROTS
Clicker training is a fun way to interact with your bird, but it's also a useful tool for addressing behavioral issues. Once you apply the principles of clicker training to your daily interactions -- regardless of whether your bird is young, old, tame or not-yet-tame, a clown or a perch potato -- you will be amazed at how effectively you will be able to communicate with each other, how much faster you'll build trust, and how quickly your parrot will learn tricks that delight and amaze. This class will be an introduction to clicker training for birds, how it works, why it works, strategies for dealing with "problem" behaviors, ideas for getting started, and pitfalls to avoid.
FAIRFAX, VA
SUNDAY
February 26th
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Pender Exotics Veterinary Centre
4001 Legato Road
**CLICKER TRAINING FOR PARROTS
Clicker training is a fun way to interact with your bird, but it's also a useful tool for addressing behavioral issues. Once you apply the principles of clicker training to your daily interactions -- regardless of whether your bird is young, old, tame or not-yet-tame, a clown or a perch potato -- you will be amazed at how effectively you will be able to communicate with each other, how much faster you'll build trust, and how quickly your parrot will learn tricks that delight and amaze. This class will be an introduction to clicker training for birds, how it works, why it works, strategies for dealing with "problem" behaviors, ideas for getting started, and pitfalls to avoid.
SPRINGFIELD, VA
SATURDAY

March 3rd

10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Grace Presbyterian Church
7434 Bath Street
5th ANNUAL MARDI GRAS
Put on your beads and baubles and come to our annual spring Mardi Gras. Meet a wide variety of adoptable birds and learn about different species. If you would like to add a parrot to your life, we hope that you will consider adoption first. Not only will you help a very deserving bird to find a new home, but we will work with you to make the best match for your family AND the bird. Bringing a parrot into your life is a serious decision, especially since birds live a long time and require specialized care. Let us help you to find a bird that will fit your home so you can build a positive, long-lasting relationship! Even if you are not interested in foster or adoption, come have some fun with other people who love birds too! SPECIAL RAFFLE OF FUN THINGS, TO SUPPORT THE PARROTS OF PHOENIX LANDING!
Mardi
WILMINGTON, NC
SATURDAY
March 4th

12:00 Noon - 2:00 PM
New Hanover County Public Library (Myrtle Grove (Monkey Junction) Branch )
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 many aspects of parrot care, or meet other parrot providers. [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].
WINCHESTER, VA
SATURDAY
March 10th

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Kernstown United Methodist Church
3239 Valley Pike
* 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 many aspects of parrot care, or meet other parrot providers. [also satisfies our adoption process requirement].
ASHEVILLE, NC
SATURDAY
March 17th

10:00AM - 12:00 Noon
434 Cedar Hill Rd
Alexander, NC
Click for Directions
* 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].
FAIRFAX, VA
SATURDAY
March 24th

10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
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].
ABINGDON, VA
SUNDAY
March 25th
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Highlands Animal Clinic
25011 Lee Highway
Exit 19, off I81
NOURISH TO FLOURISH: MASHES and CASSEROLES
A good diet can help prevent disease and ill health. Food can also be restorative, helping our bodies to heal. Providing a parrot with a varied diet is important for both physical nutrition, as well as mental stimulation and emotional well-being. Let's talk about the different food groups as well as some ways to prepare meals that combine all the important ingredients for a well-rounded diet. In addition, we're going to make a big batch of mash, one of our feeding staples for the birds at our adoption center at The Landing.

(*) 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
April 14 Springfield Robert Ness, DVM: Holistic Medicine for Parrots
April 22 Fairfax/SEAVS * Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
May 5 Springfield Nyla Copp (mybirdiebuddy.com): Aviaries and Play Areas
May 19 Fairfax/SEAVS **Behavior Workshop: : Biting Matters
May 20 Abingdon Nourish to Flourish: Edible Enrichments
June 2 Springfield TBD
June 9 (date to change) Winchester Joe Arbogast (birdsafestore.com): Safety Considerations for House and Parrot
June 24 Fairfax/SEAVS * A Parrot's Point of View
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 * A Parrot's Point of View
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
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
April 22 Bel Air Virginia Bush: Avian Cognition Forum and Parrot Communication
May 19 TBD Fern Van Sant, DVM
June 9 Frederick * Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
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
April 1 Cary ** Behavior Workshop: Trick Training
April 20-22 Asheville "Step-Up!" Skills To Empower People to Understand Parrots
April 28 Asheville Pamela Clark, CVT: What About Those Feathers?
May 19 Asheville Karrie Noterman: Aviaries and other Fun Things
June 3 Cary * Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
June 8-10 Asheville "Step-Up!" Skills To Empower People to Understand Parrots
June 16 Asheville * The Contented Companion
July 21 Asheville ** Behavior Workshop: Trick Training
August 5 Cary Nourish To Flourish: Edible Enrichments
August 18 Asheville * Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
August 24-26 Asheville "Step-Up!" Skills To Empower People to Understand Parrots
September 15 Asheville Beth Rhyne, DVM: The Avian Exam and Bloodwork
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, Jenny Drummey and many others! Registration available soon. Early hotel reservations in the Asheville area are highly recommended.
November 9-11 Asheville "Step-Up!" Skills To Empower People to Understand Parrots
November 17 Asheville ** Jenny Drummey: Biting Matters
December 2 Cary * Things I Wish I'd Known, A Comprehensive Parrot Care Class
December 15 Asheville Kris Porter: Parrot Enrichment Activities (parrotenrichment.com)

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