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/

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 love of snakes, nurtured by parents who encouraged him to get outdoors and explore nature, eventually grew into a broader passion for wildlife, including birds. It is an honest and inspiring conversation that offers a glimpse into the world through the eyes of a young nature enthusiast.

My second guest is Connor Barr, an ornithology student at the FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town. Connor is already contributing to important ornithological research, and in our conversation we explore everything from bird identification and taxonomy to conservation science and the fascinating work he is doing on larks. This is one of those interviews that goes far beyond birding and offers a fascinating insight into how science helps us better understand and conserve the birds we love.

While this episode is built around Youth Day, it is about much more than that. It is about passion. It is about curiosity. It is about the power of spending time in nature. Most of all, it is about hope for the future.

If young people like Liam and Connor are the future of birding and conservation in South Africa, then I think we have every reason to be optimistic.

So sit back, enjoy the conversation, and let's hear from the next generation of nature lovers on this special Youth Day edition 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 show:

Liam Botha links:

Instagram profile https://www.instagram.com/liambotha_wildlife

YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@liambothawildlife

Website https://herpsa.co.za

Connor Barr links:

Connor's Fitzpatrick page link https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/contacts/connor-barr

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 Birding Ecotours, specialists in small group and custom birding adventures around the world.

While today's conversation focuses on the incredible birding of Limpopo, Birding Ecotours can help you experience some of the world's greatest birding destinations, from South Africa and the rest of Africa to Asia, Europe, Australasia, North America, South America, and beyond.

Whether you are looking for a scheduled tour or a custom birding adventure, their experienced team can help you find the perfect trip.

Visit www.birdingecotours.com to learn more.

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

Daniel's website https://birdingwithdaniel.com/

Daniel's email danielengelbrecht101@gmail.com

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, animals and the environment.

We also dive into the lasting legacy of Dr Jane Goodall, the importance of finding hope in challenging times, and why conservation isn't only about protecting iconic species, but about understanding and caring for the interconnected world around us.

Whether you're already involved in conservation or simply wondering where to begin, this episode is a reminder that every action matters and that making a difference starts with the choices we make every day.

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:

Website: https://www.rootsandshoots.org.za/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roots.and.shoots.sa/

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 does not hold back as he freely shares information on what birds you can see, where to see them, and practical advice for birding some of Limpopo's top destinations.

Whether you are planning your first visit to the province or looking to discover new birding locations, these episodes will give you the information you need to put together an unforgettable Limpopo birding itinerary.

This episode is brought to you in proud partnership with Birding Ecotours, specialists in small group and custom birding adventures around the world.

While today's conversation focuses on the incredible birding of Limpopo, Birding Ecotours can help you experience some of the world's greatest birding destinations, from South Africa and the rest of Africa to Asia, Europe, Australasia, North America, South America, and beyond.

Whether you are looking for a scheduled tour or a custom birding adventure, their experienced team can help you find the perfect trip.

Visit www.birdingecotours.com to learn more.

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

Daniel's website https://birdingwithdaniel.com/

Daniel's email danielengelbrecht101@gmail.com

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 with nature, and how that approach is shaping Byron’s big year journey. Along the way, there are some powerful reflections that I think many birders will connect with.

This is a fascinating conversation with someone who thinks deeply about birds, conservation, and storytelling, and I know you are going to enjoy 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:

WildWild Journeys YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@WildWildJourneys

WildWild Journeys website https://wildwildjourneys.com/