Bird Talk Flyby

This past week I attended my second Avian Federation of Aviculture (AFA) annual convention, and it was even better than the first. Each year, AFA assembles some of the most knowledgeable minds of the avian community for a multi-day convention that includes - if you're so inclined - late night socializing, dancing, raffles, a banquet and of course, a stellar line up of seminars.

Some of this year's multi-cultural speakers included Joseph Forshaw of "Parrots of the World" fame; Dr. David Waugh and Matthias Reinschmidt of Loro Parque in Spain; avian behavioral consultants Mattie Sue Athan, Barbara Heidenreich and Dr. Susan Friedman; field researchers Dr. Donald Brightsmith and Carlos Bianchi; Dr. Irene Pepperberg and our very own Melissa Kauffman.

Seminars run the gamut from conservation to pet bird behavior problems and aviary management. There seems to be something for everyone, pet bird owners as well as breeders and aviculturists. And the talks are hardly limited to parrots. Canadian breeder Bryan Emery discussed "Songbirds in Aviculture" and Lynn Hall took on fruit doves and pigeons.

While between seminars, Melissa and I, along with Bird Talk sales representatives Louis Brandt and Bill Rauch, manned the Bird Talk booth where we were able to talk to readers. This was probably one of the most enjoyable times of the convention. We rarely get that type of one-on-one interaction with our readers.

Of course, the raffles and vendors are another highlight of the event. I won twice with the raffle, taking home a selection of candles, perches, food treats and, my favorite, two framed sets of bird-themed stamps. I also picked up a bird decorated tie from Loro Parque for my Dad, and PVC swing from Bird Toys, Etc. Anyone that regularly attends these bird events knows to pack an extra bag to tote home the new goodies, and I did just that.

Check out the American Federation of Aviculture's website for details on next year's event.

-ROSE