The Birding Life Podcast Network

In this festive bonus episode, Gabby reflects on an unforgettable 2025 - the growth, the lessons, the support, and the moments that made the year meaningful. She talks about YWP, the podcast, her two unexpected awards, and the family traditions that matters more than gifts. A warm thank-you message to everyone who listened, supported, and shared this journey. Wishing you a safe, joyful festive sea...

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, Decklan tells us about reaching the birding milestone of 750 species in Southern Africa ! 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:

Snakes. Fear. Fascination. And one man determined to change the way South Africa sees them. In this episode, Gabby sits down with Marik Orrin, better known online as Wild Marik, a snake rescuer, educator, storyteller and myth-buster whose days are filled with cobras in kitchens, puff adders on pathways, and the huge task of replacing fear with understanding. From heart-stopping rescues to the 2200...

In this final episode of the season, I’m joined by someone who’s become a regular voice on the show — and honestly, he could probably be considered a co-host at this point. John Kinghorn, the Avitourism Project Manager at BirdLife South Africa, returns for what is possibly his most important episode yet. Over the last five years, we’ve followed John’s journey — from full-time bird guide, to law st...

The highlight for many birders every year is BirdLife South Africa's Birding Big Day. On Saturday the 6th of December, birders will be racing across different parts of the country, trying to see as many species as possible in just 24 hours. It’s a day that’s not only packed with fun and excitement, but also contributes meaningfully to the vital conservation work done by BirdLife South Africa. In t...

In this episode of the YWP Podcast, Gabby chats with Kennedy Vorster, a young conservation storyteller raised in the heart of the wild. From growing up on Phinda Private Game Reserve to surviving a Mozambique spitting cobra bite, Kennedy shares her unforgettable childhood memories, close encounters, and thoughts on what it means to live a life rooted in nature. They talk conservation, content crea...

In this episode, I’m joined by the legendary Elsa Pooley , one of the co-authors of the stunning new coffee table book, South African Indigenous Garden Plants – The Gardener’s Guide . This fascinating episode was recorded outdoors in Pennington, on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, with a beautiful soundtrack of local bird songs in the background. While recording on location comes with a few audio ch...

In today's episode Josh has a chat with Decklan Jordaan. Decklan tells us about his work on the recent Spotted Ground Thrush Survey and he gives us an insiders look into his trip to Liberia. This is definitely not an episode 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...

In this episode, Gabby sits down with wildlife photographer Yehuda “Hudi” Hirschowitz to explore the moments and mindsets that shape a life outdoors. Hudi shares how growing up in the bush sparked his love for wildlife, why quieter KZN reserves keep calling him back, and what birding taught him about patience and paying attention. He talks through his gear journey to Fujifilm, how he experiments w...

In this episode, we’re back with Part 2 of our deep dive into one of Africa’s most exciting birding destinations, Uganda. In Part 1, we covered some of Uganda’s most iconic species — the Shoebill, Green-breasted Pitta, and Grauer’s Broadbill — and we laid the foundation for why this country is a must-visit for birders from around the world. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, I highly rec...

In this episode, we kick off a very special two-part series titled “The Birder’s Guide to Uganda.” In these episodes, I’m joined by expert bird guide Joshua Olszewski, who has spent countless hours exploring Uganda’s forests, savannas, wetlands, and mountains in search of some of Africa’s most iconic and elusive birds. This series is designed to be your ultimate guide to birding in Uganda -we cove...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Alan Lee, the Science and Innovation Programme Manager at BirdLife South Africa. Alan is one of the leading voices in bird conservation in South Africa and has spent years working with data, habitat trends, and red list assessments to help us better understand the state of our birds. This conversation explores Alan’s fascinating journey - from conserving birds in...

From a single suet mix made in her kitchen to a business that reaches birders across South Africa, Elaine Reed’s journey is proof that passion can truly take flight. In this episode, Gabby sits down with the founder of Elaine’s Birding. a proudly South African brand known for its innovative feeders, nutritious bird foods, and heartfelt commitment to conservation. Elaine shares how a simple encount...

In this special episode, I’m joined once again by my good friend Calvin Harris — not the DJ, the birder! This time, we’re recording from a deck at Ndumo Game Reserve, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush. You might even hear a Wood Owl or Nightjar calling in the background as we chat. Ndumo has long held legendary status in South African birding circles, often spoken about as one of the be...

In this episode of The Birding Life Youth Podcast, Josh chats to his friend India Jardine about their recent trip to Botswana. India runs us through the highlights of our stay and enchants us with the many stories we came home with! 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://sou...

Birding at sea, birding on shore, and a life list of 742. In this episode, Tristan Spurway shares flock-to-Marion highlights, his move to the Garden Route, beginner-friendly hotspots, and practical tips for pelagic ID. We also chat vlogging, photographing fast flyers, and why slowing down can make you a better birder. Tune in for laughs, lessons, and albatross-level awe. Visit our online store to...

In this episode, we’re diving into Part 2 of our conversation with top South African birder, Dom Rollinson . If you missed Part 1, hit pause and go listen to that episode first — we covered some amazing birding areas in Southern Africa and laid the groundwork for what’s to come in this follow-up episode. In Part 2, we continue our journey across the region, exploring even more top birding hotspots...

In this episode, I’m joined by a familiar voice and returning guest, Dom Rollinson. Dom is not only one of South Africa’s top birders and a highly respected tour guide with Birding Ecotours, but he also brings a wealth of academic and field experience to every conversation. This is the first of a two-part episode, where we take a deep dive into Dom’s picks for the top birding areas in Southern Afr...

In this episode of The Birding Life Youth Podcast, Josh chats to his friend India Jardine about their recent trip to Botswana. India runs us through the highlights of our stay and enchants us with the many stories we came home with! 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://sou...

Trevor Hardaker joins The Birding Life Podcast for a focused look at his journey and work. He founded Southern African Rare Bird News in 2008 and still sends the daily reports. He chairs BirdLife South Africa’s National Rarities Committee. He co-runs Zest for Birds pelagic trips off Cape Town. In 2007 he became only the second birder to pass 900 species in the Southern African region. Trevor share...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back one of my favorite guests, Pieter Verster, joining us all the way from just outside Kruger National Park. Pieter is not only a passionate birder but a champion of atlasing—a powerful, rewarding way of birding that directly contributes to conservation. In this episode, we unpack what atlasing is, why it’s so valuable, and how it can take your birding to...

In today’s episode, I’m joined by expert guide and long-time Birding Ecotours team member Dylan Vasapolli. From remote escarpment forests to sprawling miombo woodlands, Dylan shares what it’s like to bird Angola — a land filled with rare endemics, untapped habitats, and unforgettable adventure. We cover what makes Angola such a unique destination, what kind of birder it’s best suited for, and the...

In part two of our conversation, we dive into Mark’s love for wildlife photography, particularly his striking black-and-white fine art style. He shares his creative process, the role of storytelling in conservation photography, and how guiding has influenced his work behind the camera. We also discuss his interest in elephant behavior and communication—an area of research he’s deeply passionate ab...

Recorded on board the Flock to Marion Cruise, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with two field researchers, Danielle Keys and Leandri de Beer — women who’ve spent months living and working on Marion Island, one of the most remote and wild places on Earth. They share what life is like on the island, from preparing for a 13-month stay to navigating extreme weather, and the highs and lows of...