In progressive training, clarity matters. One of the most powerful tools we have to bring that clarity into a session is the marker—also called a bridge. A marker is a stimulus that tells the learner exactly which behavior is being reinforced. Think of it like taking...
If you've ever looked up into the Southern California sky and thought, “Is that an eagle? Or maybe something escaped from the zoo?”—you’re not alone. In San Diego County, we’re lucky to share our cities, canyons, and coastlines with a wide variety of native birds,...
At what point in January do we stop bidding each other Happy New Year, or talking about resolutions? I believe both of these start to drop off right around mid-month, judging from my ability to access my favorite elliptical machine at the gym. Either way, there...
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...
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...
Having a parrot is not just a pet ownership experience - it’s a lifelong journey. I’ve had Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Henry and Little Corella Juice by my side for over 20 years, and while I may not have all the secrets to a perfect parrot relationship,...
At Avian Behavior International, we’re always excited to introduce you to our incredible birds and share their unique roles in the natural world. This week, we’re focusing on Larue, our crested caracara, and why scavengers like him play an essential role - not just in...
As we gear up to celebrate International Vulture Awareness Day, it's the perfect time to explore how we at ABI foster our relationship with these fascinating birds through respectful and effective training methods. Vultures may often be portrayed as grim reapers in cultural myths, delighting in...
Are you tired of seeing animals struggle with outdated training methods? Are ear tags causing more harm than good? Today, I want to talk about the challenges we face when we encounter outdated information about caring for our birds and how we can progress beyond...
Today we are going to share some invaluable insights we've uncovered as case studies from our consultations, diving into the intricate world of complex parrot behavior scenarios. These discussions have been enlightening, offering practical strategies and highlighting the importance of addressing biases while understanding the...