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 been about numbers. It's always been about people. As we celebrate Episode 200, I would love to hear from you. Where in the world do you listen from? How did you discover The Birding Life Podcast? Has there been an episode, conversation, guest, or moment that has stayed with you or helped shape your birding journey?

Please send me an email at info@thebirdinglife.com. I would love to hear your story and celebrate this milestone together with the community that has made these 200 episodes possible.

It feels fitting that Episode 200 features one of the most respected bird writers and communicators of our time.

My guest today is Scott Weidensaul, an American ornithologist, bird migration researcher, conservationist, and New York Times bestselling author. Over the course of his career, Scott has written more than 30 books and has become one of the leading voices helping people understand birds, migration, and conservation.

In his latest book, Return of the Oystercatcher, Scott tells a series of remarkable conservation stories from around the world. While the book is filled with birds, what struck me most was that it is really a book about people. It is about people who refused to accept decline as inevitable, people who chose to act, and people who found ways for both birds and communities to thrive.

This is a longer conversation, but Scott is such a gifted storyteller and communicator that the time flies by. We talk about conservation success, hope, human behaviour, Indigenous knowledge, Hawk Mountain, and why the lessons in this book are just as relevant to birders in South Africa as they are anywhere else in the world.

So as we celebrate Episode 200 of The Birding Life Podcast, settle in and enjoy my conversation with Scott Weidensaul, author of Return of the Oystercatcher.

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:

Scott Weidensaul website http://www.scottweidensaul.com/

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 particularly interesting is that Rory doesn't come from a traditional birding background. He isn't chasing the latest rarity or obsessing over a life list. Instead, he approaches birds through the eyes of a photographer.

And that raises an interesting question.

What can birders learn from photographers?

As we chat today, you'll hear how photography teaches observation, patience, and attention to detail. We discuss why the best place to improve your bird photography might be right outside your back door, why buying a new camera won't automatically make you a better photographer, and why spending time with common birds can actually make you a better birder.

Even if you have absolutely no interest in photography, I think you'll find plenty of value in this conversation. At its heart, this episode is about slowing down, paying attention, and learning to appreciate the birds that are often right in front of us.

So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy my conversation with Rory Baker.

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:

Rory Baker Website https://www.rorybakerphotography.com/photography-school

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 trafficking victim to life in the wild captured hearts around the world.

Beyond the pangolins themselves, this conversation is a reminder that conservation is made up of many moving parts and that meaningful impact often begins with the smallest actions.

Whether you're passionate about wildlife, conservation, or simply trying to find your place in making a difference, this episode offers an inspiring message of hope: just because you can't always see your impact, doesn't mean it isn't there

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:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/africanpangolinconservation

Website: https://africanpangolin.org/