The Birding Life Podcast Network

This week’s guest is a songwriter, storyteller, nature lover, conservationist, podcaster, and of course a birder – I am pleased to introduce John Edmond. John has recorded four albums titled, ‘Tales of the Birdwatchers’ – on which he shares stories and information about a variety of birds – along with fun songs to help you learn their calls. This is a fun episode where we learn about John and his passion for all things nature and get a taste of songs off the albums.Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeTales of the Birdwatchers Box set https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store/Tales-of-the-Birdwatchers-Box-Set-4-CDs-p444058344All songs sung by John Edmond Copyright Roan Antelope Music (used with permission)Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

This episode features 2 guides, a birder, and a bird photographer that were lucky enough to go on the recent Flock to Marion Cruise. They share about their experiences on the cruise, funny moments, behind the scenes stories from the guides, and tips to separate Wandering from Tristan albatross. Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the EpisodeSupport the Mouse Free Marion project - https://mousefreemarion.org/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In this week’s episode we once again chat to Craig and Christine Widdows, who along with their two children Wren and Finn, did a big year as a family around South African in 2021. Their story was one of the ‘feel-good’ stories of the year, with many people following their African adventure. They have travelled the length and breadth of the country, so in this week’s episode, I asked them to tell us their 5 favourite birding destinations in the country. This is a great chat with an amazing couple!Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the EpisodeWiddows Family Links:Instagram - @our_birding_big_year_2021Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Our-Birding-Big-Year-2021-100876491840150Birdlife South Africa Community Guideshttps://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

With all the excitement around the Flock to Marion Cruise, that is leaving in the week after this episode is released, I have a chat to the Birding Life Team, along with special guest John Kinghorn. John is one of the guides on the cruise, he has previously gone into the Antarctic waters as part of the Atlas of Seabirds project. He shares about what we can expect to see and experience on the cruise. Even if you are not going on the cruise, this episode is very informative, and you won’t want to miss it!  Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the EpisodeOutliers Coffee Roasters - https://outlierscoffee.co.za/Support Birdlife South Africa - https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/donate/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

With Birdlife South Africa's 'Flock to Marion' cruise only a few weeks away, for this week’s episode I have a chat with Daniel Danckwerts, the acting Communications manager for Birdlife South Africa. Daniel, who is part of the Flock to Marion organizing committee, gives us all the important information to prepare for an epic Flock cruise. We also have a chat about this year’s Birdlife South Africa Bird of the Year. Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the EpisodeFlock to Marion Cruise Links:Website - https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-2022/Email - [email protected] book for the cruise - https://www.msccruises.co.za/cruise-deals/south-african-cruisesSupport Birdlife South Africa - https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/donate/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In this episode, I have a chat with Dr Rob Little. Dr Rob is a well-known expert in South African bird, he has authored 5 books – including 'Birding in South Africa’s National Parks' and his latest book, 'Gamebirds of Africa'. We will talk about his birding and conservation journey, his love of gamebirds, and find out all about his latest book. This is a fascinating chat that you won’t want to miss! Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the EpisodeSandfontein Lodge & Nature Reserve  https://cutt.ly/sandfontein-lodge or https://www.sandfontein.com/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In this second to last episode of season 2, we continue to help prepare birders for the Flock to Marion cruise – a few weeks ago we looked at birding in the Cape Town area, this time we will be looking at where the Flock cruise will be ending – and look at birding in Kwa-Zulu Natal. This week’s guest is KwaZulu Natal birding guru, Michael Wright from Sustain Wildlife and Birding Safari’s. Michael will be telling us all about the five best spots to bird in the province, telling us all about the birds, as well as tips for each location. Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the EpisodeRooiberg Lodge https://cutt.ly/rooiberg or www.rooiberglodge.co.zaSustain Wildlife and Birding Safari’sWebsite - https://www.sustainsafaris.com/Email - [email protected] Phone +27 83 670 1436 All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In this episode we chat all about atlassing and why it’s so important. I chat to Colin Summersgill who will be telling us all about what atlassing is, how to do it, and how it will help you to grow as a birder. This is a great chat with an experienced birder, who makes so much valuable input during the episode.Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the EpisodeSABAP2 - http://sabap2.birdmap.africa/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In this episode we will talking all about one of the biggest birding days on the calendar, Birdlife South Africa’s Birding Big Day! I will be chatting to two guests in this episode – first I will interview Etienne Marais, who was the leader of the Raiders of the Lost Lark team, which was the first Birding Big Day team to pass the 300-mark barrier for the day. He will give us lots of practical tips on how those participating in the day can see more birds. I will then have a chat with Ernst Retief from Birdlife South Africa, who will tell us all about the day and how to register and participate in the day. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeVisit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the EpisodeEtienne Marais:Website - https://www.etienne-birding.com/  Facebook - Etienne BirdingEmail - [email protected] - +27633604916Birding Big Day:For information or to register - https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/birding-big-day-2021/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In this episode I enlist the help of well-known Cape Town birder Garret Skead – to give us tips and locations to help plan an epic Cape birding weekend. If you are doing the Birdlife South Africa Flock to Marion cruise or even if you just want to plan a birding trip to Cape Town, this episode is packed with information.To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeVisit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeAll music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In this week's show we have two incredible guests – first we chat to Hans Larsson. Hans is one of the world’s best bird artists – and was involved in Peter Harrison’s ‘Seabirds – The New Identification Guide’. He tells us all about his journey and what went into painting plates for this epic field guide. We then chat to Dr. Anton Wolfaardt from the Mouse Free Marion project – in the interview he gives us insights into why this project is so important, how the mouse eradication is undertaken, and he gives us a glimpse into the amazing biodiversity found on Marion Island. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeVisit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeShow Links Mouse Free Marion Project - https://mousefreemarion.org/Hans Larsson - https://www.hanslarssonbirdart.com/To order your copy of ‘Seabirds – The New Identification Guide’ https://www.lynxeds.com/product/seabirds/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

This week’s guest is someone that is Aldo Berruti, who is based in a beautiful KwaZulu Natal town called Underberg. In this episode Aldo is going to be your virtual guide on a trip up Sani Pass – one of South Africa’s best birding spots. He tells us all about the birds, the spots, and everything you need to know when planning a trip. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeVisit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeAll music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

This week, we have an international flavour to the show – with two very special guests.First, we chat to Suzy Buttress from England. Suzy is the host of The Casual Birder Podcast, which encourages people of all experience levels to appreciate birds wherever they are found. She shares about her podcast, as well as gives us insights into her style of birding.We then chat to Freya McGregor, an Australian who lives in the United States. She tells us all about the Birdability project that looks to make birding accessible to more people – especially people with disabilities. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeVisit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the show:Suzy Buttress linksWebsite https://casualbirder.com/Email [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/CasualBirderPod/Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/CasualBirderPodcast/Twitter Handle @CasualBirderPodInstagram Handle @CasualbirderpodcastFreya McGregor linkshttps://www.audubon.org/news/its-time-redefine-birdingWebsite https://www.birdability.org/Email [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/birdabilityFacebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/386227102749125Twitter Handle @birdabilityInstagram Handle @birdabilityAll music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

This week’s guest is an ornithologist, author, and 2021 Birdlife South Africa Gill Memorial Award Winner - we are honoured to introduce David Allan. This is a brilliant episode where we get to hear from one the countries leading voices in ornithology – he tells us all about his career, the books he has been a part of, as well as sharing many fascinating accounts from the field. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeVisit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeAll music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

In today's show The Birding Life is joined by Dan Brady who is part of the 'Forest and Birds Bird of the Year' Campaign in New Zealand. We find our more about New Zealand birds and decide on each of our own birds of the year...as well as our un-bird of the year. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeOrder quality coffee and make you contribution to conservation https://outlierscoffee.co.za/Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-storeLinks from the show:Bird of the Year New Zealand https://www.birdoftheyear.org.nz/All music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

Episode 75 - Vultures: What's the Big Deal? - with special guest Ben Hoffman In this episode we look at why Vultures are such an important part of the eco-system and why we should conserve them. This is a fascinating chat with so much great information about these special birds.To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksRaptor Rescue - www.raptorrescue.org.zaBen Hoffman email - [email protected] Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 74 - The BirdPro App Part 2 with special guest Herman Van Den Berg In this episode we will be chatting about bird apps – and specifically the BirdPro South Africa App. I find out from Herman not only about the BirdPro App, but also about the other nature apps they offer the South African market. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksBirdPro App - http://birdproapp.com/TreePro App - https://treeproapp.com/Dragonfly SA App - https://hphpublishing.lpages.co/dragonflyapp/Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 73 - Adventures in Nature with special guest Tristan Spurway Tristan Spurway has been on the show before sharing about his journey , but this time we take a different angle. We look at the other areas of nature that have opened up because of Tristan’s birding journey. We will look at his many areas of nature that excite him, as well as looking at some resources to get you started in your own journey. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksTristan Spurway Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tspurway_photography/Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 72 of The Birding Life Podcast with the Craig and Christine WiddowsCraig and Christine are doing a birding big year around South African trying to see as many birds as possible with their two young children Wren and Finn. Many South African’s have been captivated by their story and in this episode, we get a first-hand taste of what life on the road has been like. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksWiddows Family Links:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/our_birding_big_year_2021/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Our-Birding-Big-Year-2021-100876491840150Birdlife South Africa Community Guideshttps://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 71 of The Birding Life Podcast with special guest Nicolette Forbes This week’s guest is a 2021 Birdlife South Africa Owl Award winner, is one of our countries leading conservationists, and is the chairperson of Birdlife eThekwini KZN. We have a great conversation about the bird club, hear some great stories from Nicolette’s own birding journey, and hear all about the conservation work she has done with our country’s estuaries. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from EpisodeBirdlife eThekwini KZN website - https://blpn.org/Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 70 of The Birding Life Podcast – Twitch Fever with special guest Zach SimpsonThis week’s guest is young birding extraordinaire, Zach Simpson. In the episode we will be looking at what the thrill is around twitching and specifically why it is so attractive to younger birders. Zach shares some of his own stories from twitches he has been on, as well as special birds he discovered on his own home patch.To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from this episode:Zach Simpson Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/birding_and__beyond/Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 69 of The Birding Life Podcast – The Birding Life Show – Caprivi Strip BirdingMarc Cronje from Nature Travel Birding takes us on a virtual trip to explore the Caprivi Strip, in Namibia. We discover what this special location offers birders and nature lovers. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksLinks from the Episode:Marc Cronje - Email [email protected] / Mobile +27837056436Sandfontein Lodge & Nature Reserve - https://www.thebirdinglife.com/sandfontein-lodge

Episode 68 - Slow Birding with special guest Bridget ButlerBridget Butler, also known as the Bird Diva, discusses an approach to birding that encourages deeper observation, deeper listening, and deeper connection. This interview takes us on a fascinating journey – as we look at things such as how the left and right brain can work together to help with bird identification, how to break down bird song using the five-voices simple sounds framework, and how the sit, spot, practice anchors our experiences and observations of birds to a particular place over time. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from Episode: Bird Diva - https://www.birddiva.com/Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 67 of The Birding Life Podcast – The Birding Life Show – ‘The Atlasing Episode’In this episode we chat about atlasing and the value that it has added to each of our birding journeys.To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeOrder quality coffee and make you contribution to conservation https://outlierscoffee.co.za/To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksBirdlife eThekwini KZN 'Colour Me Green eThekwini' Challenge https://blpn.org/cmg21/Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 66 of The Birding Life Podcast – The Owl Award Episode In today’s episode we will be looking at Birdlife South Africa’s 2021 Owl Awards, that they hosted virtually on the 22nd of June. We will find out all about the awards, how the winners are chosen, and get to hear from a few of this year’s award winners. This episode is not only an opportunity to celebrate the great work that Birdlife South Africa is doing, but also to celebrate the great conservation heroes that received awards.To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from EpisodeOwl Awards: https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/owl-awards/Royalty-FreeMusic sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes 

Episode 65 of The Birding Life Podcast – Steps to Better Birding with special guest Keanu Canto We will be looking step by step at Keanu’s approach to birding – looking at his pre-birding preparation, how he approaches the field, as well as what his post birding unpacking looks like.To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from EpisodeExploring Southern African Bird ID Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Exploring-Southern-African-Bird-ID-100553205455694Birdlife South Africa Virtual African Bird Fair:Website: https://www.birdlife.org.za/virtual-african-bird-fair-2021/E-mail: [email protected] Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 64 of The Birding Life Podcast – The Youth Day EpisodeOn the day that this episode is released, we are commemorating Youth Day in South Africa. To celebrate this, we have handed over the reins of this episode to Mark Heystek – the Birding Life Youth Podcast Host. He will be having a chat to our Birding Life Ambassadors and finding out about birding from a youth perspective.To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from EpisodeBirdlife South Africa Virtual African Bird Fair:Website: https://www.birdlife.org.za/virtual-african-bird-fair-2021/E-mail: [email protected] Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 63 of The Birding Life Podcast – The Birding Life Show June 2021The whole Birding Life team gets together and chats about all thing’s birds. As always, the Birding Life show is proudly sponsored by Outliers Coffee Roasters. To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from EpisodeOutliers Coffee Roasters https://outlierscoffee.co.za/To get to more information on how to donate to the Mouse Free Marion fundraiser please email [email protected] Heystek Cape Talk Radio Interview https://www.capetalk.co.za/podcasts/481/weekend-breakfast-with-sara-jayne-king/520769/the-outdoor-report-with-jeff-ayliffeRoyalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 62 of The Birding Life Podcast with special guest Peter HarrisonPeter is an ornithologist, author, artist, conservationist, and an adventurer. He has been described as the 'David Attenborough of the seas'. In this interview he shares how his love for seabirds and the oceans started, the process behind writing and illustrating the books he authors, and he tells us all about his new book 'Seabirds: The New Identification Guide'. He also gives us a short taste of a what one of his talks is like.To support the work that we do: buymeacoffee.com/TheBirdingLifeTo order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order - bit.ly/blwildbooksTo order 'Seabirds: The New Identification Guide' -https://www.lynxeds.com/product/seabirds/Flock to Marion 2020 - https://www.birdlife.org.za/flock-to-marion-2022/Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 61 of The Birding Life Podcast with special guest Marc CronjeToday’s guest is Marc Cronje who is going to take us on a birding trip to the Kruger National Park – in the episode we will hear about the special birds that the park has, as well as hearing the best places to find them. Marc also gives lots of tips and advice drawing from his many years spent in the park to help you make the most of your time in Kruger. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order)bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from EpisodeMarc Cronje: [email protected] / +27837056436The Birding Life Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebirdinglifeRoyalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 60 of The Birding Life Podcast with special guest Richard FlackRichard is one of South Africa’s best loved photographers. He tells us all about his love for birds, his photographic journey, gives lots of photography tips – and we get to learn a lot more about the man behind the lens.To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order)bit.ly/blwildbooksRelevant Links from EpisodeRichard Flack Links: https://www.theflacks.co.za/The Birding Life Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebirdinglifeRoyalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 59 of The Birding Life Podcast with special guest Dr Melissa WhitecrossDr Melissa Whitecross the Landscape Conservation Program Manager at Birdlife South Africa. In this episode she tells us all about some exciting events that Birdlife South Africa has planned – including the Learn about Birds Conference that will take place at the end of May 2021.To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order)bit.ly/blwildbooksBirdlife South Africa Website - https://www.birdlife.org.za/One on Hely - https://www.thebirdinglife.com/one-on-helyRoyalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 58 - The Birding Life Show May 2021 In this episode we chat about atlassing, winter birding, have some debate about the Canon Powershot Zoom, and a whole lot more. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Widdows Family Links: Instagram - @our_birding_big_year_2021 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Our-Birding-Big-Year-2021-100876491840150 Birdlife South Africa Community Guides https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 57 of The Birding Life Podcast with special guest Jonathan Breytenbach Jonathan is a young and passionate nature lover – whose love for all things nature have driven his passion for biobashing – in this episode he tells us all about what biobashing is and how to do it. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Learn about Birds (LAB) https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/learn-about-birds-lab-conference/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 56 - Global Big Day 2021 This week's guest is Ian Davies the Ebird Project co-ordinator at Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He is going to tell us all about the Cornell Lab, E-bird, and give us all the information that we need about the Global Big Day that is coming up in the 8th May 2021. Global Big Day Website - https://ebird.org/globalbigday To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Learn about Birds (LAB) https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/learn-about-birds-lab-conference/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 55 - A Birder in Zimbabwe In today's episode we chat to Daniel Engelbrecht and get a first-hand account of what it is like travelling to the country as a birder. He recently did a trip this stunning birding destination and he not only tells us all about the great birds he saw, but also gives valuable information on what travelling into the country is like. For anyone who has ever wished to visit Zimbabwe to bird – this episode will provide lots of valuable tips and information. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Learn about Birds (LAB) https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/learn-about-birds-lab-conference/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 54 of The Birding Life Podcast with special guest Wian van Zyl (SafariWian) Wian is a YouTuber whose videos are not only lots of fun to watch, but also educate people about wildlife and conservation. In this episode he will tell us all about how we can improve our own bird videos, he also chats about the ins and outs of being a bird guide, as well as giving us insight into Afrikaans bird names. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Relevant Links from Episode SafariWian - https://safariwian.com Learn about Birds (LAB) https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/learn-about-birds-lab-conference/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 53 of The Birding Life Podcast – Callan Cohen Callan is the co-author of 2 books including 'Southern African Birdfinder'. This episode that is packed with so much valuable information and tips, from one of the region's best birders We also catch up with Craig Widdows to get an update on his families South African Big Year. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Callan Cohen Links: Birding Africa website: https://www.birdingafrica.com/ Callan email address: [email protected] African Bird Names Committee email: [email protected] Birdlife South Africa Birding Big Day: https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/birding-big-day-2020/ Widdows Family Links: Instagram - @our_birding_big_year_2021 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Our-Birding-Big-Year-2021-100876491840150 Birdlife South Africa Community Guides https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 52 of The Birding Life Podcast – Josep del Hoyo Josep is the author of the 'All the Birds of the World' book, published by Lynx Edicions. He tells us all about how a book of this magnitude was put together, as well as sharing about his own birding experiences, and the story of Lynx Editions. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Lynx Edicions - https://www.lynxeds.com/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 51 of The Birding Life Podcast – Tristan Spurway In this episode we chat to Tristan Spurway. We cover a whole range of topics including tips for finding great birds in the Magoebaskloof area, his passion for conservation and atlassing, as well as lots of fun stories. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 50 of The Birding Life Podcast – The Birding Life Show March 2021 In this month’s episode recorded at The Lazy Moose in Clansthal on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast, we start by chatting about our own birding over the last month. We then have an informative conversation with Jenny Norman about the reporting of rare birds. We end off the episode by looking at birds and birding spots in the Sapphire Coast area on the upper KwaZulu Natal South Coast. Order quality coffee and make you contribution to conservation https://outlierscoffee.co.za/ To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Sapphire Coast Tourism Website - https://www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za/ The Lazy Moose Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/The-Lazy-Moose-808655992848856 Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 49 of The Birding Life Podcast – LBJ’s Made Simple In this episode we chat to Doug Newman the co-author of 'Southern African LBJs Made Simple'. We also catch up with the Widdows family, who are doing a Big Year around South Africa to not only see birds, but also to raise awareness around the Birdlife South Africa Community Guide Project. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Doug Newman Website: https://www.simplybirding.com/ Widdows Family Links: Instagram - @our_birding_big_year_2021 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Our-Birding-Big-Year-2021-100876491840150 Birdlife South Africa Community Guides https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/ The Lazy Moose Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/The-Lazy-Moose-808655992848856 Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 48 of The Birding Life Podcast – Blue Swallow Conversation In today’s episode Calvin Harris hosts an important conversation with Brent Coverdale from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife about the critically endangered Blue Swallow and their conservation To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Brent Coverdale contact details +27825609769 Roselands Nature Reserve - http://www.roselands.co.za/ To make a donation to Birdlife South Africa's conservation work https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/donate/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 47 of The Birding Life Podcast – The Merlin Bird ID App In this episode we are joined by Drew Weber the Merlin Project Coordinator at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. He tells us all about what the Merlin Bird ID offers both beginner and experienced birder. He also gives us a sneak peak into what is planned for the future with the app. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Birding Ecotours links: Website www.birdingecotours.com Email [email protected] Quote “the Birding Life” and you’ll get 5 % off your tour or merchandise order Drew Weber Links: Twitter @drewweber @merlinbirdid Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 46 of The Birding Life Podcast – What’s in a Name? In this episode we are joined by special guest Sithembiso Blessing Majoka who chats about the controversial name changes to some species in South Africa. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks 305 Guest House Links: Website - www.305guesthouse.co.za Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/305guesthouse Twitter - https://twitter.com/305GHouse Instagram - https://instagram.com/305guesthouse Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 45 of The Birding Life Podcast proudly sponsored by Outliers Coffee Roasters The Birding Life Show February 2021. In this episode we look at special sighting from around the region, as well looking back at history to see birds that have been seen in the region in years gone by. Order quality coffee and make you contribution to conservation https://outlierscoffee.co.za/ To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks 305 Guest House Links: Website - www.305guesthouse.co.za Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/305guesthouse Twitter - https://twitter.com/305GHouse Instagram - https://instagram.com/305guesthouse You can join the Rare Bird Email via this link at http://groups.google.co.za/group/sa-rarebirdnews or send a direct email to [email protected] and you will be added manually. Roselands Nature Reserve http://www.roselands.co.za/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 44 with special guest Trevor Hardaker Trevor sends out the Southern African Rare Bird Email to thousands of birders every week. In 2020 he broke the Cape Town 150km Challenge record, seeing an impressive 372 species over the course of the year. He tells us all about this record-breaking year, as well as giving many tips on great birding spots in the area. Trevor also shares his advice on resources to help you grow as a birder. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Relevant Links from Episode The Birding Life Website - www.thebirdinglife.com Trevor Hardaker Links Contact number - 0827800376 Email address - [email protected] You can join the Rare Bird Email via this link at http://groups.google.co.za/group/sa-rarebirdnews or send a direct email to [email protected] and you will be added manually. Zest for Birds Website http://www.zestforbirds.co.za/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 43 of The Birding Life Podcast – The Bird of the 2021 Episode Andrew de Blocq, the Avi-tourism Project Manager of Birdlife South Africa gives us fascinating insights into the Cape Rockjumper, that was named as the Bird of the Year for 2021. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Relevant Links from Episode Birdlife South Africa Website - https://www.birdlife.org.za/ Email – [email protected] Conservation Conversations: Dr Krista Oswald - Bird Of The Year 2021: Cape Rockjumper - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ukxo1nMQWfY&list=PLNC61qX8pr_XIEXy3ceee3p9xK4l3jE18&index=1 Widdows Family Links: Instagram - @our_birding_big_year_2021 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Our-Birding-Big-Year-2021-100876491840150 Birdlife South Africa Community Guides https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 42 of The Birding Life Podcast with special guest Michael Buckham Mike runs the Better Birding Webinars along with David Winter – Mike has been birding for more than 40 years and in this interview, we get to tap into his wealth of knowledge on a wide range of topics. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Michael Buckham Links Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/buckhambirding/ Better Birding Links Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/betterbirding/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY02DpoYa_S6EMbPqZiQukQ To give towards the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project click the following link: https://www.givengain.com/cc/help-hornbills/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes

Episode 41 of The Birding Life Podcast – A Tale of Two Big Years In this episode we chat to people that are doing a Birding Big Year this year in the region. We first chat to Craig and Christine Widdows, who are doing a Big Year in South Africa, with their young children Wren and Finn. We then chat to Liam Charlton is doing a Southern African Big Year on a bicycle. To order books at great prices from Wild Books Online Store (use the code 'Birding' for a 5% discount on your order) bit.ly/blwildbooks Relevant Links from Episode Widdows Family Links: Instagram - @our_birding_big_year_2021 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Our-Birding-Big-Year-2021-100876491840150 Liam Charlton Links: Instagram - @big_year_on_a_bicycle_2021 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LiamsBigYear Birdlife South Africa Community Guides https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/ To give towards the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project click the following link: https://www.givengain.com/cc/help-hornbills/ Royalty-Free Music sourced from freemusicarchive.org/ Artist Scott Holmes