Category: Everyday

Webinar: A Look Back at the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat

Lisa Bono gives us an exclusive look at the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat. Discover expert insights on bird nutrition, behavior, health, and enrichment to elevate your bird care skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Don’t miss out, sign up today and tune in April 26th!

rose-winged parakeets, rose wings

Surprising Adaptations: Study Sheds Light On How City Birds Reacted to Covid-19

When people all but vanished from cities during Covid-19 lockdowns, how did urban birds react to this human-free environment? Researchers from Tel Aviv University and Hebel Normal University used acoustic recorders to monitor the behavior of birds in the deserted streets and parks of Tel Aviv. The results might surprise you. See which birds decreased their activities when parks were empty and which flocked to this altered urban landscape.

African grey parrot

The Story of Dr. Pepperberg & Alex the African Grey Turned Into A Play!

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg reflects on the upcoming play “Beyond Words,” which dramatizes her remarkable 30-year research relationship with Alex, the infamous African grey parrot who took the world of animal behavior research by storm. Dr. Pepperberg shares how, despite collaborating on early drafts, witnessing such intimate bonds fictionalized before audiences holds surreal emotional weight. As actors emulate private breakthrough moments in her and Alex’s time working together, she talks about feelings of profound vulnerability, yet revels in Alex’s captivating global recognition through art’s lens.

Eurasian eagle-owl

One Year Out, Flaco is Still Central Park’s Resilient Owl About Town

Last February, a Eurasian Eagle Owl named Flaco escaped from his Central Park Zoo enclosure. Though the zoo tried recapturing the apex predator, Flaco thrived after adapting to life freely roaming Central Park. Dubbed a local celebrity, he has flourished in 2023 venturing through the park and at times into Manhattan neighborhoods. Despite initial worries, Flaco demonstrated resilience making New York City his enduring home this past year since his dramatic escape. See how Flaco’s celebrity continues to grow, including having his likeness adorning city artwork, t-shirts, and more.

Swainson's Thrush, song bird

Building Design Can Guide Birds to Safer Skies

Chicago’s rippling Aqua Tower’s pioneering bird-safe design steers migratory birds to safety through angled geometry and etched glass barriers. See how new designs aim to transform urban architecture to help guide birds away from window collisions.

sun conure, sun parakeet

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight January 2024: The Sun Conures of Guyana

This month’s Lafeber Global Spotlight takes us to the village of Karasabai in Guyana, which is the only place wild sun conures (Aratinga solstitialis) can be studied in their natural habitat. Local rangers, with support through One Earth Conservation, are braving towering heights to study these raucous parakeets to document behaviors that can help shape conservation efforts for these eye-catching birds.

Ultimate Avian Artworks? Lego® Macaw Build Kits Offer Fun & Decor

Looking to put your Lego building skills to the test? Better yet, what if it involved a parrot?! Lego’s new Macaw kits offer the ultimate avian artwork! Lego’s latest offering is a showy life-sized wall model of a perching Yellow or in-flight Pink Macaw build kit. Beyond kitschy decor, these colorful centerpieces sculpted meticulously by you make great conversation starters about our fine feathered friends for visitors or as a colorful display at the entrance of your bird room.

Amazon parrot

Study Explores The Brain Pathways Of Parrots’ Vocal Abilities

As science continues to evolve, we are learning more and more about the brain’s amazing capabilities. One area of particular interest is how the brain allows animals to learn and communicate. In a recent study, Zhilei Zhao, a Klarman Fellow in neurobiology and behavior at Cornell University, investigated parrots’ vocal learning abilities.

green jay

Green Jays Venture From the Tropics

The tropical green jay, a brightly plumed bird normally at home in Southern Mexico and parts of Central America, now appears to be on the move to the north to Texas. As winter weather softens with climate shifts, San Antonio and other Northern Texas towns have become welcoming new habitats. Such Northward movements may become more commonplace as weather patterns continue redrawing range maps. As researchers track shifting boundaries, one certainty persists – with weather patterns in flux, bird populations appear to recalibrate suitable living spaces.

owl caught in Christmas tree

Family Discovers Young Owl in Christmas Tree

A Kentucky family recently lived an unexpected wildlife adventure thanks to their holiday centerpiece. Days after setting up their Christmas tree, a young Eastern screech owl was discovered nestled among the branches.

blue-and-gold macaws in outdoor habitat

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Technology & Companion Animals

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg explores the delicate question: What technologies help animals thrive versus the benefits to us and our ability to control them? For example, from the animals’ perspective, do piped-in soundtracks at zoo habitats make the animals feel at home, or are they played to enhance the experience for zoo visitors? Should you leave the radio or TV on when you leave home so your bird doesn’t feel alone? Read on for Dr. Pepperberg’s overview of the tech effect on animals.

Kittiwake seabird manmade ocean nest site

Innovative Ocean High-Rise Nests Help Endangered Birds

Danish firm Ørsted constructs offshore “birdscrapers” with observation blinds to monitor struggling species like the kittiwake up close. Their sci-fi seabird sanctuaries showcase compassionate environmental innovation.

blue lorikeet; blue lory

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight November 2023: The Blue Lorikeet of the Cook Islands

This month’s Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to the Cook Islands, where Conservationist Luis Ortiz-Catedral recently conducted field research on the vulnerable Kurāmo’o lorikeet, also referred to as the blue lorikeet, on the tropical Cook Islands paradise of Aitutaki. This royal-blue parrot faces critical threats from invasive predators and devastating cyclones in the South Pacific. Now a coalition of conservation groups aims to study numbers and protect nests to aid in the blue lorikeet’s survival. Discover how research and community stewardship offer hope for vulnerable Pacific parrots like the blue lorikeet.

black and white image of a dinosaur skeleton of a "terror bird"

Unearthing a Dinosaur Bird’s Tracks

Paleontologists in Argentina recently uncovered an unprecedented trove – 17 fossilized “terror bird” footprints. Journey back in time to glimpse the terror bird’s world through its 85 prehistoric footsteps preserved in stone, and see what made these ostrich-like dinosaurs such successful hunters.

Bird Names Changed to Welcome All Nature Lovers

The American Ornithological Society made a momentous decision – renaming over 70 North American birds to remove honorific references to controversial historical figures. Motivated by rising awareness of harmful biases, the AOS will eliminate commemorative common names that may perpetuate exclusion.

trailer image for the documentary, "Black Cockatoo Crisis"

Documentary Sounds Alarm to Save Australia’s Disappearing Black Cockatoo

In just 20 years, Western Australia’s majestic black cockatoos could disappear completely. From 10,000 left, populations plummet as habitat loss and persecution from farmers decimate their numbers. One filmmaker’s quest to save the critically endangered species offers a lifeline. Learn more about the film and its important message.

African grey parrot, grey

After 3 Years Apart, Chatty Parrot Reunites with Family

After three agonizing years apart, a missing African grey parrot was finally reunited with his owner in France – all thanks to one miraculous stroke of luck and an unexpected connection. Learn the heartwarming story of Jako’s unbelievable journey and how this chatty African grey parrot seemed gone forever until a surprise encounter brought hope. This extraordinary tale reminds us to never lose faith, even against the longest of odds. Read on to learn how Jako defied everything to ultimately squawk his way back home.

Red crown, Amazon parrot

Cities as Unlikely Havens: Red-Crowned Amazon Parrots Take to Urbanization

New research reveals an unexpected ray of hope for the endangered red-crowned Amazon parrot. A study found over 650 birds have relocated to urban areas of Southern Texas, finding favorable habitats in cities. Researchers believe suburban migration could save the species, as urbanization provides stable climates and ample food for these displaced tropical birds.

head and shoulder shot of Black Palm Cockatoo. Bird has large black beak, dark gray feathers and upright crest on head

Wild Palm Cockatoos Woo Mates With Improvised Drums

Male palm cockatoos in the wild put on an elaborate musical show to attract mates, reveals a fascinating new study. These charismatic Australian parrots perform an energetic mating dance while vocally serenading females. But the real surprise comes when they drum up attraction by spontaneously fashioning and playing seed pod percussion mid-boogie.

chestnut-sided warbler, warbler

The Birder’s Curse of the “Nemesis Bird!”

Even the most dedicated birders have that one elusive species that manages to evade detection time and again. Referred to as a “nemesis” bird, this frustrating feathered foe repeatedly thwarts sighting attempts. While finding a nemesis bird can become an obsessive pursuit, overcoming these challenges is an achievement. As we explore stories of birders grappling with their trickiest adversaries, you may discover you have a nemesis awaiting challenge.

Alala crow

Brave Conservationists Protect Maui’s Rare Birds from Raging Fires

When wildfires recently raged around Maui’s Bird Conservation Center, staff bravely worked through the night to protect the facility’s precious avian residents. As flames encroached within 150 feet, staff utilized hoses and extinguishers to safeguard the center, home to many of Hawaii’s rarest birds. See how their quick action and dedication averted a potential tragedy for endangered species like the Hawaiian crow, and the Kauaʻi creeper songbird).

Kakapo parrot, flightless parrot

Unlocking the Kakapo’s Genetic Code: A New Approach to Conservation

The mysterious Kākāpō parrot teeters precariously close to extinction, with less than 250 left on earth. Now, scientists have cracked their genetic code, hoping DNA secrets can help save the species. By sequencing their genome, researchers gain insights to boost breeding and outsmart disease. But will unraveling the Kākāpō’s DNA be enough to pull it back from the brink? Learn how genetics is transforming conservation efforts for these quirky green parrots and other endangered species.

sun conures, conures

Serving Up Fresh H2O: Water Wisdom for Bird Owners

Do you know if your feathered friend is getting enough clean, fresh water every day? Unlike dogs, birds sip water subtly throughout the day, so it’s easy to miss their intake. In this article, learn simple tips to keep your bird’s water supply contaminant-free and entice them to stay hydrated. We’ll cover optimal dish placement, frequency of changes, bath time drinking, and more ways to serve up healthy H2O for your bird.

Hummingbird

Hummingbird Migration is Underway—How You Can Help!

Hummingbirds might be small, but they are certainly mighty when it comes to their feats of flight! You might be familiar with their zooming around plants and trees, but did you know that they also use those rapid wing beats to take them on migratory journeys of up to 2,000 miles?! Learn how you can help hummingbirds during their fall and spring migrations, including the right type of nectar to offer and the nectar to avoid, and how tracking hummingbirds in your area can assist research in migratory patterns, plus more.

Lisa Bono webinar November 10, 2023

Webinar: The Grey Way: Ask Lisa Anything About Greys!

There are many sides to African grey parrots—highly intelligent, capable of being brilliant mimickers, sometimes full of shenanigans…the list goes on and on. In this episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono will channel her years of experience living with African grey parrots to answer viewer questions about this intriguing parrot! Sign up and tune in November 10!

African grey parrot, African grey, grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Delayed Gratification in African Grey Parrots

The infamous Marshmallow Test showed that young children who can delay gratification (waiting 15 minutes earned them an extra marshmallow) are more likely to succeed later in life. But can parrots also learn to delay gratification? In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg walks us through her study with African grey parrot Griffin and fellow African greys Pepper and Franco in which their patience would pay off with more nut treats if they learned to wait. See how the greys faired and the study’s biggest takeaways.

great green macaw, green macaw

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight August 2023: Colombia’s Great Green Macaws

This month’s Lafeber Conservation Spotlight takes us to Colombia, where the Horizon Conservation Foundation has set its sights on increasing the numbers of Great Green Macaws in two of its native regions. A major initiative is to determine the macaws’ numbers in the wild and identify the threats they face. The foundation is also dedicated to educating and creating awareness in the local communities about the significance of macaw conservation through its tailor-made programs, with the goal of fostering a collaborative network. Learn more about Colombia’s Great Green Macaws and the Horizon Conservation Foundation’s work to save these critically-endangered parrots.

book cover for The Black Cockatoo with One Feather Blue

Children’s Book Aims to Help Glossy Black Cockatoos

The beautiful glossy black cockatoo, native to Australia, is threatened by habitat loss, and its population has declined significantly in recent years. Author Jodie McLeod has written a children’s book that aims to raise awareness of the plight of the glossy black cockatoo and encourage readers to take action to protect this vulnerable parrot species. Her book, The Black Cockatoo With One Feather Blue, tells the story of a young glossy black cockatoo with a unique blue feather.

Webinar: Translating Parrot: Cockatoos – Unraveling the Mysteries

Join us on August 4 for an exciting new Lafeber webinar series, “Translating Parrot,” which focusses on Parrot Behavior & Wellness with Pamela Clark, a well-known author, speaker, IAABC Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant & retired CVT. In this episode, Pamela will tackle why cockatoos can be such challenging companions as well as address cockatoo myths vs. facts.

Webinar: The Grey Way — But I Read It on the Internet! Part 1

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, presents Part 1 of her 2-part webinar on “But I read it on the Internet!” While there is a wealth of pet bird information to be found online, Lisa will address some of the red flags she’s come across perusing the Internet. Sign up and tune in on August 18 to find out!

Webinar: The Grey Way — But I Read It on the Internet! Part 2 

In this free webinar episode of The Grey Way, Lisa Bono, CPBC, presents Part 2 of her webinar on “But I read it on the Internet!” While there is a wealth of pet bird information to be found online, Lisa will address some of the red flags she’s come across perusing the Internet. Sign up and tune in on August 25 to find out!

pigeon

Police Department in India Has Special Feathered Communications “Officers”

The Odisha police department, which is in India’s eighth-largest state by area and 11th by population, has a special communications unit like no other—a squad of 149 carrier pigeons to help keep the lines of communication open between police stations. These feathered messengers have proven clutch during natural disasters or other weather extremes, which are relatively frequent in this region of the world. Learn how this feathered police unit came to be, as well as how government feuds over funding threaten its existence.

A Fascinating Look at the Darkest & The Brightest Birds

In a world of black and white, two birds stand out from the crowd. The Greater Superb Bird of Paradise is the blackest bird in the world, with feathers that absorb 99.95% of light. The Eurasian Woodcock, on the other hand, has feathers that are the whitest in the world, with feathers that reflect 30% more light than any other known bird. Read on to learn more about these stunning opposites!

African grey parrots, Congo African grey parrots, grey parrots

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight June/July 2023: The Crucial Roles of IUCN & CITES

We depend on local communities, scientists, researchers, and international organizations to sound the alarm when a bird species is in trouble. Two organizations that are crucial to providing reliable information on endangered, threatened, and vulnerable species are the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Learn how IUCN and CITES play essential roles in documenting the
status of the species that provide our planet with biodiversity and help manage trade in a responsible way.

mini macaw parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Is Artificial Intelligence the New Dr. Dolittle? 

In her latest blog. Dr. Irene Pepperberg shares some of her takeaways after taking part in a Zoom meeting with members of the Earth Species Project, which uses AI to develop ways to understand nonhuman communication. Dr. Pepperberg discusses the potential benefits as well as the risks of using artificial intelligence (AI) to understand animal communication.

birder, birding, Christian Cooper

National Geographic To Air New Birder Television Series with Extraordinary Birder

National Geographic is soon to launch a new birding series on Nat Geo Go (formerly referred to as National Geographic Channel) called “Extraordinary Birder” with NYC-based birder Christian Cooper. Cooper will share his love of birding with viewers as he treks into rainforests, coastlines, urban settings, and wherever else birds can be found. Read on to learn more about this TV birding adventure as well as Cooper’s back story that put unexpectedly put him front and center of national news in 2020.

aerial view of mural featuring parrots on a home in England

UK House Exterior Completely Painted With Mural Of Parrots

As the saying goes, “Home is where the heart is.” One look at Gordon Squires’ home in the city of Peterborough, England, and it’s obvious that his heart and home belong to his love for his feathered family members. He commissioned a street artist Nathan Murdoch to transform his English terrace house into a mesmerizing work of art that feature macaws and an African grey parrot. Lovingly known to locals as the “bird man,” Squire has lived in the home for 65 years, and now it stands as a display of his love for birds. See how this art project came to fruition after 50 hours of work!

orange-bellied parrot chicks

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight May 2023: The Endangered Parrots of Australia

This month’s Lafeber Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to Australia, where the Difficult Bird Research Group (DBRG) is working to help conserve four at-risk parrot species: the orange-bellied parrot, the swift parrot, the superb parrot, and the palm cockatoo. See what makes each of these parrot species unique and what puts them most at risk, as well as learn more about DBRG’s work.

red-tailed hawk, Pale Mel the red-tailed hawk

Famed NYC Red-tailed Hawk Known As Pale Male Has Died At Age 32

Central Park’s most famous hawk resident has passed away at age 32. Pale Male, aptly named by a bird watcher who noted his unusually light-colored head feathers, had been a park fixture since his park arrival in the early 1990s. Not only was Pale Male different from other hawks for opting to construct a nest on a building rather than in a tree, but he is also credited as the “father” of New York’s urban-dwelling red-tailed hawks. Read more about the hawk that was a welcomed sight to New Yorkers and inspired many to take up birding.

African grey parrot; African grey; grey; Dr. Pepperberg's research lab

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: ZOOMing Amongst Parrots

Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s research has helped to change the way we think about parrots and their intelligence— that parrots are capable of learning complex concepts and using language in a meaningful way. In her latest blog, she talks about her 1999 media lab project—aptly referred to as “InterPet Explorer—to see how parrots could or would interact with computers; pre Zoom! See what that research entailed and how she helped spark the latest research in which scientists developed a system whereby parrots can interact with one another online!

cockatiel, a cockatiel named Ginger

Cockatiel’s Crooning Goes Viral in Mash-Up Video Duet

Musician David Scott, under the band named The Kiffness, has racked up millions of video views by using snippets of animal videos that have gone viral online in their own right and turning them into infectious songs. A crooning cockatiel named Ginger is blowing up as the next viral sensation thanks to Scott. Check out the mash-up duet of Ginger and The Kiffness singing “Kookee Kookee.”

May 4th is Bird Day!

May 4 is “Bird Day” and is credited as being the oldest avian holiday. Let it be a reminder to take a moment to be in awe and appreciative of the birds around us, and learn of ways to help our local wild bird populations.

Quaker Parakeet

Monk Parakeets Exhibit Social Standing Behaviors In New Study

A recently published study sheds new light on the pecking order in parrots and factors that might change flock dynamics. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati observed interactions among flocks of captive monk parakeets (also commonly referred to as quaker parrots) in 2021 and 2023 to identify the parrots with the most status; that is, the ones who tended to be the most aggressive. Their study found some surprising outcomes when the more dominant parrots were returned to the flock after a brief stint away compared to their more docile flock mates.

geese, mallards, Canda geese, and a swan on and near the water with snow

Blossom The Widowed Goose Finds New Love

Blossom the goose was a lonesome “widow” wandering the grounds of Riverside Cemetery in Iowa after Bud, her partner of many years, passed away. To help the lonely goose, cemetery staff put the word out that they were seeking a new goose companion on her behalf, and along came Frankie. See how this new couple, just like the previous one, is endearing itself to staff and visitors.

great green macaw

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight March 2023: The Great Green Macaws of Costa Rica

This month’s Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to Costa Rica, where the locals, who refer to themselves as “Titos” are deeply driven to protect their native lands and animals, including the majestic Great Green Macaw. Learn how María Elena Munguía Jiménez, a volunteer with the Macaw Recovery Network (MRN) sparked the idea of growing almond trees, which are crucial to the macaw’s survival, and how women rangers now oversee a network of nurseries with the goal of raising 7,000 trees by mid-2024.

glossy black cockatoo

Australian Boy Fights To Help Save The Glossy Black Cockatoo

A 12-year-old from Australia has taken the initiative to help save the dwindling habitat of glossy black cockatoos from further land development. Spencer Hitchen, an avid photographer, has campaigned to stop new construction that impacts an expanse that contains some 70 she-oak trees, the cones of which offer an essential food source for glossy black cockatoos. Hitchen’s Change.org petition, currently has 75,159 signatures out of 150,000 and he has a Facebook page to help raise awareness.

quaker parakeet

Can Parrots Recognize Each Other’s Voices?

We know the voices of friends and family, but how well do parrots recognize each other’s “voices?” Fortunately, a biological survey undertaken by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, along with four scientists, gives us some insight into how well parrots recognize exact vocal prints in others of their kind. Specifically, they studied the vocalizations of 229 monk parakeets (also called quaker parrots), for a total of 5,599 recordings over a two-year period.

yellow-headed Amazon parrot

Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight February 2023: Yellow-Headed Amazons of Belize

Yellow-headed Amazon parrots are fairly common as pet companions, but their wild counterparts are quickly declining in their native habitats. This month’s Lafeber’s Global Parrot Conservation Spotlight takes us to Belize, where the Belize Bird Rescue (BBR), in close collaboration with TIDE (Toledo Institute for Development and Environment), has been leading conservation efforts to save and rehabilitate vulnerable yellow-headed Amazon chicks as well as rehabilitate former captive parrots for release back into the wild.

Lego macaw parrot

Coming Soon! LEGO® Parrot Build Kit

Parrot aficionados can thank a LEGO® builder enthusiast for submitting their prototype for consideration of a mass-produced kit that has come fruition and will be available for purchase starting March 1, 2023. The kit is called LEGO Creator 3in1 Exotic Parrot (although most of us would recognize it as a blue-and-gold macaw).

Amazon parrot

Adopting A Pet Bird Might Be Your Best Match

January is Adopt a Rescue Bird Month… although “re-homed bird” might be a better term, as not all birds in a need of a new home were in need of rescuing! There are many companion birds who need (and deserve!) a new start in life. Sadly, there are far too many pet birds relinquished to […]

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