The Birding Life Podcast Network

We identify birds by name, we learn them by name, and we talk about them by name. But how often do we stop and ask where those names actually come from, what they mean, or what stories sit behind them?My guest today is Eddie Germiquet, author of South African Birds by Name, a book that explores the origins and meanings behind the names of our birds.Eddie’s own background makes him particularly well suited to this subject. His life has included birds, languages, research, ministry and a deep curiosity about words and where th...

Nardus Taljard has built an impressive online community around something he genuinely loves, wildlife, Kruger and the stories that unfold in the wild.But what does it actually take to turn that passion into a successful digital platform?In this episode, Gabby sits down with Nardus to chat about the journey behind the content, from growing an audience and working with brands to photography, conservation, the realities of social media and some of the unexpected opportunities that have come his way.We also get into the responsibility that comes with having a voice...

My guest today is Kenyan birder, guide and ornithologist James Apolloh Omenya, who was part of an expedition into the Boni Forest region of Kenya in search of two of the country’s lost birds, the Red Weaver and the Tana River Cisticola.The expedition involved difficult travel, motorbikes, local guides, security concerns, armed escorts, and a search through a part of Kenya that very few birders will ever get to experience.And then, on 3 July 2026, James and his team found what they had gone looking for. The Red Weaver, a bird that had not be...

Welcome to episode one of the SnA Youth birders podcast! This podcast has been created to share birding with a younger generation and to help those parents that are raising young naturalists. We chatted with one of Southern Africa’s top young birders- Daniel Engelbrecht. He gives us insight into his recent trip to Uganda and his upcoming African trips. We chat about his love for bird call recording and the African Big Year of sounds. Dan shares his birding advice for young birders and parents with children they’d like to turn into birders. He s...

Today we are chatting about a citizen science project that has been running for more than 30 years and has become an incredibly valuable source of information about some of South Africa’s large terrestrial birds.I am joined by Dr David Ehlers Smith, Science and Spatial Planning Project Manager at BirdLife South Africa, to talk about CAR, or Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts.We are going to unpack what a CAR count actually is, why these counts are done, what decades of data are telling us about species such as cranes, bustards, Secretarybirds and other large terrestrial bi...

What happens when a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa becomes a lifelong obsession - and ultimately the backdrop to an extraordinary writing career?Internationally bestselling author Tony Park joins Gabby Sykora for a conversation that goes far beyond the pages of his novels. From more than three decades of African adventures to wildlife crime, conservation, unforgettable characters and the wild places that continue to inspire his stories, Tony shares the experiences, encounters and occasional chaos behind a life spent writing Africa.With 24 novels, 10 non-fiction biographies and a brand-new release, King of Beasts, Tony has built a...

Welcome to Season 15 of The Birding Life Podcast, Africa's biggest birding podcast. It is great to be back and kicking off another season of conversations with the people who make the birding world what it is.And for our first episode, I'm joined by someone who certainly isn't a stranger to the podcast. Tristan Spurway has joined us before, but a lot has happened in his birding journey since we last properly caught up.Tristan has developed a real passion for bird sounds and sound recording, including getting involved in the Big Year of African...

On this special World Ranger Day edition of the podcast, Gabby sits down with conservation activist and Saving the Wild founder Jamie Joseph for one of the most powerful conversations we have had.While rangers continue to risk their lives protecting South Africa’s wildlife, Jamie reveals why the biggest battle is not always fought in the bush, but in the courtroom. Together, they unpack why so many rhino poachers never see prison, how corruption is undermining conservation, and why specialised wildlife courts and stronger legislation could change everything.Jamie also shares more about Saving th...

One of the things that has changed dramatically in birding over the last few years is the role that technology plays in helping us enjoy birds, keep records, contribute to conservation, and connect with other birders.Today we are going to be talking about an app that has made a significant impact on the Southern African birding community. If you've spent any time around birders recently, chances are you've heard people talking about Bindo.What started as an idea to get more people interested in birds has grown into a platform that now contains more...

In this episode, Gabby is joined by primatologist Dr Paula Pebsworth from the Chacma Baboon Project for a thoughtful conversation about one of southern Africa’s most intelligent, adaptable and often misunderstood animals: the chacma baboon.Baboons are deeply social animals with complex relationships, strong learning abilities and important ecological roles, yet they are also frequently at the centre of human-wildlife conflict. From farms and homes to waste, crops and tourism spaces, the overlap between people and baboons can quickly become emotional, difficult and deeply divided.Paula shares the story behind the Chacma Baboon Project in...

There are some guests who simply make you think differently about birds, conservation, and our place in the natural world.Today's episode is a special one because it marks Episode 200 of The Birding Life Podcast.When I started this podcast, I never imagined that we would reach 200 episodes. Along the way we've spoken to birders, guides, photographers, conservationists, scientists, authors, and some truly remarkable people from around the world who share a passion for birds.Before we begin, I would love to ask a small favour.This podcast has never really...

One of the things I love about birding is that there are so many different ways to enjoy birds. Some people love chasing rarities. Some people love atlasing. Some people enjoy bird photography. Others simply enjoy spending time in nature.My guest today is someone who has spent decades behind a camera. Rory Baker is a professional wildlife photographer, photography educator, and founder of Rory Baker Photography. Over the years, he has photographed everything from wildlife and birds to architecture and commercial projects, while helping hundreds of photographers develop their skills.What makes today's conversation...

Today, Gabby Sykora is joined by Dr Kelsey Skinner, Executive Director of the African Pangolin Working Group, for a powerful conversation about conservation, perseverance, and one of the world's most threatened mammals.Together, they explore the work being done to protect pangolins from illegal wildlife trade, the challenges of rescue and rehabilitation, and the growing efforts to secure a future for these remarkable animals.Dr Skinner shares insights into the African Pangolin Working Group, the realities of working on the frontlines of conservation, and the inspiring story of Kulu, a young pangolin whose journey from...

If you're listening to this episode on the day it is released, tomorrow is Youth Day in South Africa. It is a day when we celebrate the young people of our country, and for this episode, I wanted to hand over the microphone to two young people who are making a difference in the world of nature and conservation.My first guest is Liam Botha. Liam is a birder, herper, wildlife photographer, artist, and YouTuber. Despite his young age, he has already developed a deep passion for the natural world. In our conversation, Liam shares how a...

Welcome back to part two of our birding journey through Limpopo with Daniel Engelbrecht.In this episode, we continue our journey into some of Limpopo's most iconic birding destinations. We visit the forests of Magoebaskloof, explore the legendary Soutpansberg mountains, and then head north into one of South Africa's greatest birding regions, the northern Kruger National Park.Along the way, Daniel shares practical advice, target species, favourite birding sites, and some of his own memorable experiences from years spent birding this remarkable province.This episode is brought to you in proud partnership with...

In this episode Gabby is joined by Maru from Roots & Shoots South Africa, the youth program of the Jane Goodall Institute, for a conversation about hope, action, and the incredible role young people can play in shaping a better future.We explore what it really means to make a difference, how conservation begins much closer to home than many people realise, and why curiosity is often the first step towards meaningful action. From community gardens and citizen science to storytelling and environmental education, Maru shares how young people across South Africa are creating positive change for people...

When many birders think about South Africa's top birding destinations, places like Kruger National Park, Cape Town, or Zululand often come to mind. Yet tucked away in the northernmost corner of the country lies a province that offers some of the most diverse and rewarding birding anywhere in southern Africa.Daniel grew up in Limpopo, has birded the province extensively for many years, and has become one of the leading voices when it comes to birding in the region.In this first of a two part series, we begin exploring this bird rich province. Daniel...

In today’s episode, I am joined by photographer, filmmaker, conservation storyteller, and birder, Byron Grobler.Byron is the founder of WildWild Journeys, and earlier this year he announced on his YouTube channel that he would be taking on a birding big year.In this honest and thought-provoking conversation, Byron shares more about his journey, and how two significant encounters in the bush would shape the way he sees birds, wildlife, and the natural world around him.This episode goes far beyond simply finding birds. We unpack what it means to interact ethically wi...

At just 10 years old, Jamie Smart has already achieved something most wildlife photographers only dream of: being crowned Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum in London.But this conversation is about far more than an award.Jamie is one of those young photographers who reminds us that age does not limit the way someone can see, feel, and understand the natural world. Behind her winning image is a young storyteller with genuine curiosity, patience, and a beautifully observant eye for wildlife.In what honestly felt like one of...

Junior Gabela is a name known to many South African birders. Those who have birded with him will tell you about his incredible birding skills and his ability to find some of Zululand’s most sought-after species. In this episode, I sit down with this well-known Zululand bird guide to hear more about his story.In this conversation, we don’t just get to know Junior the birder. We dig deeper into the people and places that shaped his journey. For those who may never have visited Zululand, we also unpack the incredible birding in the region, alon...