Since 1993, Chris Biro has been flight training parrots as part of The Pirate's Parrot Show, an educationally based pirate-themed parrot show that has performed at state and county fairs across the US since 1989. He flies parrots in a variety of environments ranging from busy state fairgrounds to high mountain desert canyons and cliffs. He is the founder and owner of the freeflight email list, started in 1990, that currently has over 1800 members across the world. Chris has presented about freeflight at events such as American Federation of Aviculture (AFA) Conference, International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) Conference (bird trainers) and Parrots International Symposium (parrot conservation) as well as presented 2 day flight training seminars in France and Portugal.

Susan Hilliard training background is with dogs. She has competed with several dogs in Agility, has been a board member of Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue and currently is a Seattle area rescue contact for SPDR and the Bull Terrier Club of Puget Sound.

Porcupine Ranch is 160 remote acres located in Castle Valley, near Moab, Utah. The property is located within 10 miles of a variety of flying locations, ranging from entry (level 1) to very advanced (level 5).

Our aviary on Whidbey Island, Washington, is 3000 square feet and is located on an isolated 60 acres close to the Clinton ferry terminal.

In 2004 Susan Hilliard and Chris Biro teamed up and together they currently fly 20+ parrots and are always expanding their flight training skills in the variety of flying locations available in Moab, Utah. They enjoy raising baby birds for flight training, photography, video editing and coaching others about training parrots.

Here are some of the things people say

about Chris Biro and Susan Hilliard.

Hello Chris and friends,

I saw your show at the Lincoln County Fair (July 2008) in Newport, Oregon and couldn't help but be thoroughly impressed.  I actually embarrassed myself by coming on stage but thankfully recovered by answering your question about what makes parrots different from other birds "correctly."  I guess that ornithology class in college did pay off!  Anyway I too have an affinity for birds and subsequently made a career of educating the public about wildlife in general but with particular emphasis on birds.  As such I have seen my share of scary pet shops, poorly run bird shows and worse...multiple owners of parrots who don't know the first thing about proper bird care.  It's regrettable and upsetting to say the least.  Well when I came to the fair to see the poultry judging I immediately heard some parrots calling and followed the sound to your set.  I looked at my husband in despair and said "great another abusive bird show."  I promptly left for another part of the fair but he decided to stay to see the show.  After a half hour I returned to meet up with him to leave and he pulled me aside and told me I should really watch this show, it was good.  Really good and educational too.  So I hung back and watched for a few minutes, especially the birds.  It was obvious they were healthy and had a bond with you.  A heartening sign that you knew what you were doing up there and a great relief to me.  When you asked the question about what makes a parrot different from other birds I knew an answer but wasn't sure if that was what you wanted and I definitely didn't want to do push-ups in front of an audience.  But my husband and a friend encourage me to give it a try.  I'm glad I did and I'm glad I hung around and watched the show.  It was professional, educational, hands-on and I honestly felt you were weren't "preaching to the choir" with your message about recycling and tropical rainforest destruction.   It was, hands-down, the best and most informative presentation on parrots that I have ever seen.  Major kudos to you and your crew.  I wish you the best in your future and long-life and happiness for your flock.

Dawn

Forwarded to Chris Biro from Curry Roberts (Board Member Virginia State Fair)

From: Sue Mullins (Entertainment Director who hired Chris Biro and The Pirate's Parrot Show)

I am getting a lot of positive feedback on the Pirate's Parrot Show, all in the same vein as the following.

Sue

 

----- Original Message -----

From: BluBobcat@*****.com

 

To: S***Mullins@statefair.com

Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2004 7:48 PM

Subject: Wonderful Show

 

Dear Friends,

 

My daughter Sabrina and I saw the Pirate's Parrots show Saturday (September 25th) at the Virginia State Fair. I must admit when we saw the show listed in the program I figured it would be like all the other shows we had seen in the past where the birds walk across "high wires," bicycle, or pull a string to hoist a flag. However, this show was not only different, it was also entertaining and educational! We arrived 15 minutes before show time and had to sit on the ground as all the bleachers were already taken. Although my first thought was that it was going to be difficult to enjoy the show under such circumstances, I became so engrossed that I wasn't even aware of it.

 

"Captain Christopher" Biro did not put the birds through degrading stunts or force them to perform. It was obvious that the birds were treated with respect. He demonstrated their beauty and grace through natural flight, while educating the crowd of the affects of deforestation and the importance of recycling. Mr. Biro has excellent people skills as well as he fielded a variety of questions from a very diversified crowd and provided answers that were always educational without being demeaning.

 

Mr. Biro did a wonderful job showing the birds' true nature. What a welcome relief from the sad, molding birds seen in pet stores or people's homes. I have recommended The Pirate's Parrot Show to all of my friends. I hope you will bring Mr. Biro back again next year. You can be sure I will visit the fair if you do.

 

Sincerely,

 

Melissa

Prince George, VA