2004
Symposium Report
Below
is a report on the Symposium written by Kathy Heaton who
was one of the seminar participants. Thank you, Kathy.
Photos by Gary and Nancy Rogers (click on photos to see
larger images). More
photos are available here.
"The
7th Annual South Texas Avian Symposium at the Mayan Dude
Ranch in Bandera, Texas on September 11 &12, 2004.
It was hosted by the River City Bird Club of San Antonio.
Attendees enjoyed trail rides, hayrides, cookouts, inner
tubing on the Medina River rapids, and live country &
western music. Many of us had private "theme"
cabins - Andy Sanford's front bedroom was a jail cell,
complete with bars!" Photo: Preparing horses
for the Friday afternoon trail ride.
"Expert
speakers covered topics of interest to pet owners, breeders,
and veterinary professionals. Nationally known parrot
behavior consultant Liz Wilson presented "The One-Person
Bird: Prevention and Rehabilitation" on Saturday
and "An Overview of Parrot Behavior Management"
on Sunday." Photo: Liz Wilson discussing the
"One Person Bird" on Saturday afternoon.
"Dr. Scott Echols discussed nutrition,
with an emphasis on Iron Storage Disease (hemachromatosis.)"
"Dr. Darryl Styles' two-part talk
about avian genetics was comprehensive and easy to understand.
The highlight of it was his astonishingly accurate mimicry
of pet bird sounds!"
"Dr.
Brian Speers gave an animated presentation enumerating
the "Top 10 Aviary Mistakes." One point he emphasized
is that finches need places to hide to feel secure enough
to breed, so a well-planted aviary is desirable."
Photo: Dr. Speers during his presentation.
"An optional wet lab, which was
certified by the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners
for continuing education credit, was offered Sunday morning.
Drs. David Phalen, Ian Tizard, and Thomas Vice kept the
participants busy - or vice-versa - as participants were
reluctant for it to end."
"In fact, we were all reluctant
to leave the ranch. I heard many people say they wished
they could spend another day."
"We'll be back!" (Contributed
by Kathy Heaton)
Click
here for a page with more photos and information on the
seminar.
Photos
(left to right): 1. Miriam Puente and Andy Sanford dance
to Texas music Friday night - Andy adds that extra Cajun
flair, 2. Ed and Olga Kelly join in the dancing, 3. Andy
Sanford Presents the AFA Certificate in recognition of
the RCBC Girl Scout Bird Adventure Program to Gary Rogers
President of RCBC, 4. Dr. Phalin chalenges the audience
during "You be the Vet", 5. The speakers forum
Saturday afternoon - the speakers discuss questions raised
by the audience.
