LEFT TO RIGHT: Dahlijah Rahm, Chris White, Barbara Heinderich, Dr. Irene Pepperberg, Mark Hagen, Suzan Chamberlain, Dr. Jamie Gilardi, Matthias Reinschmidt, Dr. Michael Taylor, Nathalie Lemieux and Suzan Payne.

Summary written By Connie Jaskinskas
Written for the GTPC Dec 2005 Newsletter

From October 14 – 16, 2005 the Sheraton Hotel in Hamilton was for the birds, literally! The lobby, the foyer and a number of large meeting rooms were full of feathered creatures and the people who love them. Presenters famous for their research, training methods, avian breeding, conservation and rescue efforts kept the many delegates on the edge of their perches. Barbara Heindenreich shared the secrets of her loving approach to animal training.  Several GTPC members have already reported positive results from using her training techniques with their parrots.  Dr. Irene Pepperberg (famous for her research with Alex) was such a star; delegates were blinding her with camera flashes during her informative presentations. Alex and his young protégés are now displaying their intelligence with basic mathematics. We can count on Dr. Pepperberg to continue to amaze the world with strong science regarding avian communication and intelligence. Dr. Pepperberg has show the world that “bird brain” is, in fact, a compliment. Matthias Reinschmidt, Curator of Birds at Loro Parque, Tenerife, Canary Islands, charmed the audience with his abundant knowledge of avian species. The photographs of Loro Parque enticed all of us to want to attend the International Parrot Conference there next fall. Dr. James Gilardi is the director of the World Parrot Trust, which focuses on the protection and recovery of globally threatened parrots, as well as the education of parrot owners around the world. Dr. Gilardi shared very interesting information about parrot species in the wild. It was informative to learn of the behaviours and instincts our companion parrots retain in captivity. Dr. Michael Taylor from OVC discussed avian diseases and diagnostic techniques. Dr. Taylor is able to share his knowledge of avian medicine in a useful, down-to-earth way, and answer delegates’ questions about diseases and diagnosis. Suzan Chamberlain (from New York), writer for Bird Talk Magazine, discussed a variety of important issues to bird owners. From safety in the home, to travel, to issues important to bird club members, Susan offered the wisdom of experience with her many companion birds. Dahlijah Rahm, President of the Budgerigar & Foreign Bird Society, spoke of her rescue work following the devastating hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Many pets had to be found, rescued and given a home when their owners were evacuated. Her courage and dedication to the cause were remarkable. The Conference hosted an impressive trade show with everything from tasty bird treats to glittering parrot jewellery for proud parrot-parents. Merchants generously donated many excellent items for door prizes, and everyone went home a winner. On Saturday evening, delegates bid for the opportunity to sit with the speaker of their choice. After an excellent meal, an auction of generously donated items raised $3,940 for a variety of parrot-related causes. The event was well organized, well attended, and well received. Thanks must go to the team of organizers: Nathalie Lemieux, Suzan Payne, Chris White and Mark Hagen, as well as their spouses and staff who helped make this event the success that it was.

CPC 2005 Photo Album

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CPC 2005 REVIEWS (from CPC Evalutaions)

Thank you for your input and suggestions. We hope to improve the conference each and every year!

“The speakers were excellent!”

“Thoroughly enjoyed Matthias Reinschmidt!”

“Irene Pepperberg was the big draw for me.”

“Great line up of speakers!”

“Enjoyed the Friday night social.”

“Good speakers, great lunch and very nice hotel!”

“Very informative, great shopping and met some amazing people.”

“This is the first time I have attended this event. I am very pleased with my experience. I believe that it was well organized and appreciated the varied subjects of discussion. Apart from walking away with a wealth of information and great deals on toys, etc. I was very impressed and pleased with the friendly, warm atmosphere of this conference. Being a new parrot owner, I walk away very satisfied with this experience and look forward to futue such events to help extend my knowledge.”

“The speakers are phenomenal AGAIN!””Wonderful to be able to bring pets to the conference”

“Professional, well run, speakers world class with diverse topics.”

“The opportunity to converse with other parrot people and enjoyed the conservation aspect/focus.”

“Very well organized; wonderful speakers!!”