FLOCK! 2026 virtual summit equips caregivers with advanced parrot behavior strategies

Focused on moving beyond “surface-level solutions,” FLOCK! convened avian behavior professionals, trainers, educators, and parrot caregivers in a one-day virtual conference hosted by the IAABC Foundation on February 28, 2026. IAABC’s Instagram push captured the program’s promise: “Join us on February 28, 2026 for FLOCK!, a one-day virtual conference focused on understanding parrot behavior beyond surface-level solutions.”

The summit emphasized applied skill-building. IAABC program materials explained that, through “case examples and functional analysis, we will examine how developing foundational repertoires creates more reinforceable behavior, expands choice, and improves predictability for both parrot and caregiver. This comprehensive skill-building perspective reframes the trainer’s role from ‘solving’ problems to constructing success. Participants will leave with a clear framework for identifying functionally relevant goals, designing behavior plans that prioritize autonomy and clarity, and cultivating long-term harmony in companion parrot homes.”

IAABC scheduled an interactive evening round table at “6:00pm | Collaborative Conversations in Parrot Behavior,” described in the program as: “This interactive round table session brings together parrot behavior professionals, educators, and caregivers for guided discussion on current challenges, emerging trends, and practical solutions in parrot behavior and welfare. Participants will engage in small-group dialogue centered on real-world scenarios, ethical considerations, and evidence-based approaches to behavior assessment, training, and environmental management. Designed to foster collaboration and shared learning, this session emphasizes peer exchange, critical thinking, and the integration of diverse perspectives. Attendees are encouraged to share experiences, ask questions, and explore how behavior science can be applied across companion, sanctuary, and [...]” The 6:00pm listing appears without a specified time zone in the materials made available.

Named expertise on the program included Valli Parthasarathy, PhD, DVM, DACVB, owner of Synergy Veterinary Behavior in Portland, Oregon. IAABC provided a full bio noting that Parthasarathy “works with families whose dogs, cats, birds, horses, and other species display behavior concerns, focusing on strengthening the human–animal bond through improved understanding and evidence-based treatment. Dr. Parthasarathy is a nationally and internationally invited speaker on topics including early recognition of behavior problems, multi-species behavior treatment, and reducing stress during veterinary care. She is one of the few veterinary behaviorists in the U.S. who treats birds, has spoken about avian behavior for the USDA and the Association of Avian Behavior, and developed a hands-on parrot behavior camp for veterinary behavior [...]”

The conference’s learning priorities echoed arguments circulating among independent consultants. Pamela Clark, CPBC, retired CVT, has written that parrot companionship “resembles human-to-human relationships more than traditional pet ownership” and called for consulting models tailored to that reality. Clark described teaching a system to other consultants as “deeply rewarding” and said, “Soon, we will have a cadre of professionals capable of solving any parrot behavior problem with consistency, compassion, and precision.” Clark has also launched “The Parrot Steward Community, a membership-based online platform providing affordable, trustworthy behavior support for parrot caregivers everywhere,” a move that situates FLOCK!’s training emphasis within wider efforts to expand access to behavior expertise.

Organizers supplied session-level detail and speaker biographies but the publicly available excerpts did not include a full program or registration and pricing information. With its focus on functional analysis, foundational repertoires, and collaborative problem-solving, FLOCK! signaled a deliberate shift in professional practice toward constructing long-term, autonomy-centered behavior plans for companion parrot homes.