DVD—Understanding Parrot Body Language
Presenter: BARBARA HEIDENREICH
Running time 46 minutes in High Definition

Price: Recommended retail price $34.00 plus $6.00 P&H (Aust.)

Probably the most important skill that every companion parrot owner needs to develop is the ability to correctly interpret and understand the non-verbal ‘body language’ of their parrot. Understanding Parrot Body Language is a new DVD from Barbara Heidenreich which provides the perfect learning platform for achieving a wonderful insight into how our parrots communicate with us.

With clear explanations of what to look for when observing parrot body language, the DVD encompasses eight different contexts associated with body language that we commonly observe from our parrots. A dedicated section on species-specific body language adds further depth to the incredible range of non-verbal communication on display. Exploration of each of the body language contexts really sets the viewer up with a tremendous depth of knowledge, empowering them with an understanding of how to associate specific body language signals with correct interpretations of the messages and meanings that these signals may be conveying to the handler. The range of non-verbal communication presented is very impressive, with examples demonstrated by most species groups of companion parrots. So comprehensive is this DVD that I couldn’t suggest any other body language indicators that should have been included—Barbara has managed to cover them all, skilfully weaving important lessons into the footage for the parrot owner to consider. A testament to her skill as a fantastic educator is a section which challenges the viewer to test their ability to read bird body language, enabling them to reflect back on some of the DVD highlights and test their newly developed skills in body language interpretation. As with both of Barbara’s previous DVD titles, the production quality is highly professional with minute attention to detail and sharp presentation. Perfectly sequenced behavioural demonstrations are combined with an informative and most comprehensive voiceover script that achieves an outstanding level of accessibility for viewers of all experience levels.

Individual chapters are devoted to the impact of climate change on birds and their ranges, the science of migration, ecotourism as a conservation tool—including a list of international tour operators who organise trips to see and understand more about endangered birds and the IUCN Red List Classification system.

The chapter Species-finders is an awesome account of the dedication, lives and adventures of four field ornithologists who have discovered some of the 45 new species—all from South America—within a seven year time-frame. Unfortunately but incredibly, only four are considered Critically Endangered. Such hope turns to despair, however, as you examine the chapter Extinct species listing, by century—154 species which have become extinct since the year 1500.

The DVD concludes with an insightful interview with ‘Joseph’, the owner of a Meyer’s Parrot and a Grey Parrot. As a companion parrot owner Joseph shares his experiences in developing body language interpretation skills and explains the incredibly positive impact that this has had on his relationship and success with his much loved pet birds, Paco and Toby—a glowing testament to the power of positive reinforcement!

In my opinion Barbara has now produced the three most important and progressive visual learning aids for the companion parrot community, particularly ‘Understanding Parrot Body Language’ which is essential for the inexperienced parrot owner.

Successful interpretation of body language really does set you up for success in every context of both the training and general management of your parrot companions. This DVD needs to find its way into the home of every companion parrot owner and should be considered essential viewing for anyone working with parrots including veterinarian staff, zoo animal handlers and behaviour consultants.
Reviewed by Jim McKendry

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Australia: Land of Parrots
Presenter: David Parer And Elizabeth Parer-Cook
Running time 108 minutes.

Price:
Australia: $29.95 plus $6.00 P&H
Overseas: $27.22 plus P&H

Australia: Land of Parrots by David Parer and Elizabeth Parer-Cook should not be confused with the Land of Parrots VHS series produced some years ago. This DVD is a must have for anyone interested in wildlife let alone parrots. It is absolutely stunning. From the opening sequence in which we visit, from above, a flock of noisy Short-billed Corellas in their arid habitat—yes we are actually looking down on them—to the great sequences of Eclectus Parrots at the nest, Palm Cockatoo drumming and Budgerigar breeding, it is simply captivating.

It has taken two years to arrange funding, film, edit and create this wonderful work by many people but particularly by David, Elizabeth and Lindsay Cupper. Stunning footage of a variety of habitats and the often inhospitable Australian climate complement the images of bird behaviour. Being interested in both video and still photography of wild parrots I know how difficult it is to accomplish what has been achieved in the main 53-minute documentary.

If I had any criticism initially, it was that I would have loved to see more species of parrots. However, when I watched the DVD again I counted 27 species—roughly half of Australia’s parrot species—no mean feat in an hour-long DVD. You just want more of such fantastic footage. If you crammed all of the species in Australia into a one-hour DVD, there would not be enough time to capture the behaviour of the parrots in detail, which is what this DVD is all about. Hopefully, a sequel will follow.

It is important to realise that we are fortunate to have such diverse fauna and flora and we must cherish it. David makes an apt comment in the 55-minute Extras section of the DVD. He says, ‘we must celebrate the beauty of what we have, so that people will care what we might lose’. This to me is the critical message of this beautiful DVD.
Get it, you will never regret it!
Reviewed by Peter Odekerken

Roadshow Entertainment has kindly made available 20 giveaway copies of this new DVD. The first 20 people to answer the following question and send their name, full address and phone contact details will be eligible to win a copy of Australia: Land of Parrots.
Question: How long did it take to produce this DVD?

A Selection of Lories, Fig Parrots and Hanging Parrots
Presenter: Peter Odekerken
Running time:

Price:
Australia: $29.95 plus $6.00 P&H
Overseas: $27.22 plus P&H

For those of you who have viewed Peter’s first DVD in his series–A Selection of South American Parrots–Part One this new release will no doubt be on your wish list. A Selection of Lories, Fig Parrots and Hanging Parrots features some 60 species and subspecies of the most beautifully coloured birds one could see.

The lories and lorikeets include the Black, Raja, Brown, Yellow–streaked, Cardinal, Red and Blue, Violet–necked, Red, Blue–streaked, Black-winged, Blue–eared, Dusky, the Trichoglossus group, Varied, Iris, Goldie’s, Chattering, Purple–naped, Black–capped and subspecies, Purple–bellied, Yellow–bibbed, Collared, Blue–crowned, Kuhl’s, Tahitian Blue, Ultramarine, Musk, Little, Purple–crowned, Striated, Red–fronted, Blue–eared, Fairy, Josephine’s, Stella’s and its melanistic form, Arfak, Musschenbroek’s and Emerald.

The plumage of these lories are a sight to behold and Peter has captured their detail in exquisite clarity. You could just reach out and touch them. Peter has travelled worldwide visiting numerous public and private collections to capture the antics and calls of the Orange–breasted, Desmarest’s, Edward’s, Salvadori’s, and Double–eyed Fig Parrots.

The characteristic habits of Hanging Parrots are depicted in the Vernal (Green), Philippine, Blue–crowned, Sulawesi, and Yellow–throated species footage. Peter has included narrated details on each species as well as distribution maps which are useful in relating to the environment these birds inhabit in the wild. After Peter released his first DVD and once the word was out about the superb quality of the footage we have been flooded with orders. It is difficult to put into words how amazing these DVDs are. Find out! And enjoy!

Reviewed by Sheryll Steele–Boyce

Birdkeeping the South African Way Part 4 – Keeping and Breeding the African Grey
Presenter: Eelco Meyjes
Running time: 92 minutes

Price:
Australia: $49.00 plus $6.00 P&H
Overseas: $44.55 plus P&H

This 92-minute DVD takes the viewer on an in-depth journey covering all aspects of the Grey Parrot, one of the most widely kept captive parrots in the world today. Presented in four parts titled For the Pet Owner, For the Breeder, Basic Healthcare and Sexing and Mutations. Part Onefor the pet enthusiastoutlines information on How to Select a New Bird, what Health Aspects to look for and the Responsibilities required in selecting a companion bird with a lifespan of 60 years. How to Determine Age, Gender, Talking and Mimicry abilities, Sexing, Cage Design, Placement of Perches, Food and Water Bowls, Enrichment provisions as well as Physical Habits are explained.

Reputable breeder Di Buckly outlines the basics for first-time buyers including Acclimatising a New Bird into the Household, Spraying and Bathing, Destructive Behaviour, How to Reprimand focusing on positive energy, as well as Training and Teaching Mimicry guidelines. Part Two is full of valuable information for the breeder. An interview with Vonk van Antwerpen, commercial breeder of more than 50 years, emphasises the need not to compromise on quality, the importance of selection of unrelated breeding pairs, the necessity of a thorough Avian Vet Check, Hygiene, Prevention of Disease and Rodent Proofing.

Vonk shares his vast experience, offering breeding tips such as Communal aviaries, Dummy Nests, Aviary Design and Construction, general Breeding and Nursery procedures. Other topics include Record Keeping, Resting Aviaries, Security, Microchipping, detailed Food and Nutrition programs and Quarantine set-up. Part ThreeBasic Healthcare and Sexing is presented by Dr Tommy Blunden. Part Fourfor mutation enthusiastsdetails the development of all mutations including the world-first breeding of an all red African Grey Parrot. I have never viewed a specific species DVD with so much information presented in such a detailed and clear manner. An absolute must for both novice and experienced pet and aviary bird enthusiasts of any parrot species.

Reviewed by Sheryll Steele-Boyce