If you had to guess, what percentage of the population finds statistics as their favorite subject to learn about? Most studies suggest that statistics and other forms of math are our least favorite subjects. Thinking in abstract terms is HARD, which does not bode well...
If you have never heard the term “spark bird,” allow me to introduce you to a concept that has ignited the passion for birds. A 'spark bird' is that one bird whose presence captures your heart and opens your eyes to the wonder of birds...
In the human world, questions about the ethics and efficacy of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and linear training methods often arise. Are these approaches inherently cruel, or do they depend on how they're applied? These questions have led to how we look at working with...
When it comes to parrots, every bird has a story, and Bongo's is one I’ve cherished for many years. At 35 years old, Bongo, an African grey parrot, has seen a lifetime of love and challenges. He spent most of his life with a single...
One of the big lessons that the increase in bird watching during the pandemic taught people, it is that birds lead really hard lives. From diseases spread at the bird feeders, domestic cat predation, and glass strikes, there are many challenges that face modern bird...
Ever thought about what happens when a species spreads into new territory? I recently asked this question myself at a scientific conference I attended after hearing about black vultures and barred owls expanding their ranges. For many of us, this seems simple: if an animal is...
[fusebox_track_player url="https://traffic.libsyn.com/avianbehavior/76_traveling_with_your_parrot_.mp3" ] Traveling long distances with your parrot doesn't have to be stressful. We have moved cross country with our bird family many times. What happens if your bird hates the dark, like one of our palm cockatoos did? What about hotel stays or what...
In bird training, mastering impulse control and wait cues is invaluable, as it helps ensure birds can engage with their surroundings safely and with patience. Whether it’s teaching a bird to stay calmly on a station or to wait for a cue before moving, these...
Migration is one of nature’s most awe-inspiring phenomena, and for many birds, it's an essential part of their life cycle. For long-distance migrators like Swainson's Hawks, preparing for migration requires intense metabolic changes, with one of the most crucial being hyperphagia. This term describes the period...
This week in Trainer’s Corner, we’re diving into one of the most common challenges parrot owners face - screaming. It’s a problem that can quickly escalate into frustration for both the bird and their humans, leading to strained relationships and daily disruptions. Today’s focus is...