The Birding Life Podcast

In this episode, Gabby engages in a lively conversation with John Kinghorn, renowned as one of South Africa's most exceptional youth birders. Discover John's profound passion for birds and birding, which has driven his ambition to forge a career in this field. Tune in as they delve into John's favorite birding spots, exploring the experiences close to his heart and the thrill of adding special bird species to his list. Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In today's episode, Josh speaks to Freddie Emms - who is all the way in England! Freddie is a member of the RSPB youth council and he played a role in David Attenborough's hit tv series "Wild Isles". Freddie is passionate about spreading awareness about the downfall of the wildlife in the UK. This is truly an episode not to be missed! Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Youth Birding Podcast https://www.thebirdinglife.com/youth-podcast

In this episode, I chat with returning guest Marc Cronje. Marc is a well-traveled birder who guides for Nature Travel Birding. As with all of his episodes, once again, he shares some fantastic content. This week, the episode might not focus on birds as much as we usually do, but for anyone looking to travel to Africa, this episode is for you. Marc gives us everything we need to know for traveling to African countries for birding – what to pack, what not to pack, vaccines, preparation, and just everything you will need to ensure you are well-prepared. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/ Nature Travel Birding https://naturetravelbirding.com/

This week, I chatted with Sandiswa Kula, a birder, photographer, and captivating storyteller. You might recognize her from the engaging posts she shares on Facebook. In this episode, we delve deeper into the person behind those posts. We explore her upbringing, her journey with nature and birding, and learn about her involvement in the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project. Join us for a fascinating insight into the life of a truly remarkable individual! Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/ For more information on the Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project: http://ground-hornbill.org.za/

In this week's episode, we chat with Bart Fokkens, the hide manager at the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide. The Mzimkulu Vulture Hide, situated 8 kilometers outside of Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg, opened to the public on the 19th of February. The hide forms part of Wildlife ACT’s Southern Drakensberg Conservation Project and was built to support endangered vulture conservation through a Vulture Safe Feeding Zone. In this episode, we hear all about vultures, the hide, Birdle, and some of Bart’s birding stories. If you want to see the hide and read about our experience in it, check out the blog section on our website – we have a write-up and photos of the hide. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from the show: Mzimkulu Vulture Hide Blog Article https://www.thebirdinglife.com/post/mzimkulu-vulture-hide-getting-close-to-the-giants-of-the-skies For more information and bookings inquiries for the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide: Website - www.saveourvultures.com Email - vulture@wildlifeact.com

This week, we delve into all things Kruger! Join me as I chat with Duncan McKenzie about the all-new Second Edition of the ‘Roberts Bird Guide – Greater Kruger National Park’ field guide. But we're not just focusing on the guide itself; Duncan shares his firsthand experiences in the park and offers valuable tips on maximizing your birding adventures in Kruger. As South Africans would say, Duncan is a 'lekker oke', making this episode a must-listen. By supporting The Birding Life’s Online Store, you're also supporting our ongoing work. If you're interested in purchasing a copy of the ‘Roberts Bird Guide – Greater Kruger National Park’, please reach out to us via email at info@thebirdinglife.com. We'll notify you as soon as the book becomes available and ensure it finds its way into your hands promptly! Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/

This episode marks the continuation of my conversation with Richard Flack, and if you haven't tuned in to part one, I highly recommend doing so. It lays the groundwork for much of what we delve into in this installment. In this concluding part of our conversation, we delve into camera settings, and custom setups, and uncover details about Richard's mentorship program. As mentioned in part one, what truly captivates me about these episodes is the opportunity to explore the essence of the person behind the lens. I trust you'll find this discussion engaging and leave with a renewed sense of inspiration. Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/ Richard Flack Website - https://theflacks.co.za

Welcome to this week's episode, the first installment of a two-part series featuring South Africa's leading bird photographer, Richard Flack. These episodes go beyond the realm of photographic advice, providing us with a unique glimpse into the life of the man behind the lens. In this initial episode, we delve into the motivations that drive Richard, explore his journey to mastery, and navigate the challenges of handling disappointment and insecurity. There's so much more to uncover in this insightful conversation. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/ Richard Flack Website - https://theflacks.co.za

There are two types of birders – those who have seen the African Pitta and those who want to see it! For those who haven’t yet witnessed the 'holy grail of African birding,' prepare for some jealousy during this episode. I will be chatting with people who have been lucky enough to encounter this iconic species. One of my guests is Mackenzie Zirota, based at the African Pitta Camp Masoka in Zimbabwe. Additionally, we'll hear four stories from birders about their experiences spotting this special species. I can't wait for you to listen to this episode! Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Links from show: Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/ African Pitta Camp Masoka, Zimbabwa: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/masokapittacamp Email mackenziezirota@gmail.com Whatsapp +263779807261

In this, our first episode of 2024, I chatted with the team from the locally developed Bindo Birding App. This app allows you to both record and share your sightings with other birders. We find out all about the story behind the app and why the Bindo team feels that the app will add value to your birding journey. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/ Bindo Birding App https://www.bindo.app/

So, after the excitement of last week’s Rugby World Cup Episode – this week we chat about a group of birds that in South Africa are not quite as colourful as the green and gold birds we spoke about last week. But still, this is a group of birds that many birders love and often produces some amazing twitches in our region – you might have guessed it, but we are chatting about waders. I have a chat to Rick Simpson all the way from the UK, who is one of the co-founders of Wader Quest. We chat about awesome waders from around the world, work being done to conserve them, and we find out about this weekend’s Wader Conservation World Watch event. Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: BirdLife South Africa https://www.birdlife.org.za/ SANCCOB Adopt a Penguin https://adopt.sanccob.co.za/get-involved/adopt-a-penguin/ Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/ Wader Quest: Website https://www.waderquest.net/events/wader-conservation-world-watch/ Email wcww@waderquest.net

There is one thing that is on the lips of almost every single South African right now – the Rugby World Cup Final 2023! We go up against one of our old rivals New Zealand, or as their rugby team is more commonly known – the All Blacks. So we decided to have our own little World Cup final on The Birding Life Podcast. We got a South African birder to choose their favourite five green and gold South Africa birds, and we got a New Zealand birder to choose their favourite all black New Zealand birds. We then put these birds head-to-head –well maybe beak to beak in a scrum to see which birds would come out on top. And well…just maybe the countries birds that come out on top might be the oracle of truth as to who will lift that famous trophy. Only time will tell… Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: BirdLife South Africa https://www.birdlife.org.za/ SANCCOB Adopt a Penguin https://adopt.sanccob.co.za/get-involved/adopt-a-penguin/ Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/

In this week’s episode I chat to Sage Naidoo, a master’s student in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences with the University of the Witwatersrand. He tells us all about Avian Cultural Ecosystems Project or the ACES Project, which seeks to explore the cultural values of birds in South Africa. We hear all about what the project involves and how you can get involved in it. Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: inks from the show: SANCCOB Adopt a Penguin https://adopt.sanccob.co.za/get-involved/adopt-a-penguin/ ACES Survey Links: Johannesburg https://forms.gle/pRTGPYrRNp6T2LXs8 Cape Town https://forms.gle/fabpA8itnY7MhD2Y9 Durban https://forms.gle/b4iy5RnPerL7Rnjg7 Bloemfontein https://forms.gle/vxKVTL3kUvKRnvEm9

A bird app that will help you not only connect with birds but also other birders, a challenge that celebrates Heritage Month in South Africa, and an opportunity to conserve an iconic Southern African species – all this and more in this week’s episode of The Birding Life Podcast. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from the show: SANCCOB Adopt a Penguin https://adopt.sanccob.co.za/get-involved/adopt-a-penguin/ SANSAB Heritage Challenge: https://birda.org/sansab-heritage-challenge Birda: https://birda.org/ Birda Apple Download Birda Android Download SANSAB Link / Bird Check lists link Westerman's https://westermans.co.za/

In this, the last episode of season 7, I have a chat with Wade Lee, a birder who calls Manyoni Private Game Reserve his home. He tells us more about the reserve and how it was growing up in such a stunning piece of Africa. We also have a chat about reserves and the importance of avi-tourism, the controversial Tzaneen Waterhen, as well as finding out about Wade’s time in Ecuador. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from the show: Westerman's https://valemount.co.za/westermans/

This week I chat with much-loved bird author Faansie Peacock about his new book, Faansie’s Bird Book 2. We find out all about this book and why it should be on everyone’s shelf, birding with kids, Faansie playing in a rock band, his least favourite bird, and we also get an update on the Firefinch app. If you have listened to the previous episodes with Faansie, you that this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Faansie’s Bird Book 2 is available at most local book retailers, including our own online shop. So be sure to head on over and order the book after listening to the episode. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from the show: Westerman's https://valemount.co.za/westermans/ Faansie’s Bird Book 2’, available on The Birding Life’s Online store. Order your copy today: English - https://bit.ly/Faansieenglish Afrikaans - https://bit.ly/Faansieafrikaans

This week’s guest is Roger Machin, the product marketing manager at Canon South Africa. This is a fun, relaxed chat about bird photography – the highs, the lows, and the equipment that makes it a lot more enjoyable. We chat about cameras, lenses, editing software, and photographers that make us green with envy, and we settle the raw vs jpg debate. This is a ‘lekker episode’. Oh, and in case you are wondering, this episode isn’t sponsored by Canon, so no matter what brand you use, you are going to love this chat! Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from the show: Westerman's https://valemount.co.za/westermans/ Flack's Photography Mentorship Programme https://theflacks.co.za/courses/mentorship-programme/ Flack's Photography Workshops https://theflacks.co.za/courses/workshops/

This week Saturday is a day that lots of South African birders look forward to – the annual BirdLife South Africa 'African Bird Fair'. I find out all about what you can expect at this year’s Bird Fair from Andrew Wassung, BirdLife South Africa’s Communications Manager. He tells us what workshops, walks, and talks you can expect at this year's Bird Fair. All the links for the event can be found in the notes of the show. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from show: Links from the show: Westerman's https://valemount.co.za/westermans/ Bird Fair 2023 Website https://www.birdlife.org.za/african-bird-fair-2023/

Just imagine you post one of your photos on Facebook, and a few days later you look at that post, and it has more than 5 million views! We shared a photo from this week’s guest on Facebook and Instagram – and it went viral – just over 5.3 million views! So today I chat with the photographer behind the photo – Clint Ralph. He tells us all about the photo and some of the other photos that he has taken. This is a fantastic insight into the journey of one of the countries, if not one of the world’s, leading wildlife photographers. And best of all, even though this guy’s photos reach millions of people, he is one of the nicest people around. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from the show: Westerman's https://valemount.co.za/westermans/ Clint Ralph - Email sales@clintralph.com Website https://clintralphphotography.co.za YWP Antares Visit https://www.ywpofsa.co.za/post/a-memorable-escape-to-antares-bush-camp-and-umgede-hide Antares Bush Camp https://www.thebirdinglife.com/antares-bush-camp-safaris

This episode is the ultimate guide to birding in Northern Kruger! I chat with one of the best Kruger bird guides, Marc Cronje from Nature Travel Birding. We find out all about where to find all the sought-after species in this section of the park, including routes to travel, camps to stay at, where to get food, and even some hints on the SANPARKS rangers to do game drives with. This episode has everything you need to plan your next Kruger escape and add lots of birds to your life list. Visit our online store to get your birding-related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza Links from the show: Westerman's https://valemount.co.za/westermans/ Nature Travel Birding www.naturetravelbirding.com Rhino Post Safari Lodge www.rhinopostsafarilodge.co.za/