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 student, and now into his dream role at BirdLife South Africa. This conversation is a powerful, honest look at his personal growth, the role of avitourism in conservation, and the deep responsibility that comes with being a voice for birding in South Africa.

We talk about the massive economic value of birding tourism, how it supports conservation work on the ground, and why sustainable tourism isn’t just a buzzword — it’s essential for protecting the birds and habitats we love. John also shares about the accredited birding guides project and how it’s creating real change in communities across the country.

It’s passionate. It’s personal. It’s packed with important insights for anyone who loves birding and wants to see it thrive.

So whether you’re new to the podcast or have been with us since the start, thank you for being part of the journey this season. Let’s wrap it up with a conversation that ties everything together — conservation, community, tourism, and heart — with one of birding’s most committed voices, John Kinghorn.

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:

Donate to the Training of BirdLife South Africa’s Accredited (Community) Birding Guides here: https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/donate/

Read more about BirdLife South Africa’s crucial conservation work: https://www.birdlife.org.za/

Interested in qualifying as a professional bird guide? BirdLife South Africa endorses and adheres to the professional standards set by the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), and you can read more about these here: https://www.fgasa.co.za/

Contact BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project Manager, John Kinghorn, using the following: [email protected],za

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 this episode, we dive into what Birding Big Day is all about and how you can take part. More importantly, you’ll get practical tips and advice on how to maximise your bird count—straight from some of the country’s top-performing teams. From planning routes to managing team dynamics and identifying key habitats, we cover everything you need to smash this year’s Birding Big Day!First up, I chat with Dr David Ehlers Smith, the Science and Spatial Planning Project Manager from BirdLife South Africa. Then I’m joined by two of South Africa’s top birders, Jody de Bryn and Duncan McKenzie, who generously share their insights and experience.

RETURN Africa invites birders to join them for Birding Big Day on 6 December 2025, or to book a stay during the wet season when Pafuri’s migrants expand the birding list to over 450 species. Rare and special birds can be found in Pafuri’s spectacular riverine and fever tree forests, flood pans, river systems, and in the mopane and sandveld habitats that make this region the most diverse and bird-rich corner of the Kruger National Park. RETURN Africa partners with community-led conservation to deliver measurable local benefits. Spaces are limited—visit returnafrica.com and experience Pafuri’s birding brilliance.

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:

Birding Big Day information https://www.birdlife.org.za/support-us/events/birding-big-day-2025/

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 creation, and how youth without bush access can still get involved. Honest, heartfelt, and filled with adventure, this one’s not 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://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

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 challenges, it adds an authentic touch that makes this conversation all the more special.

If you're a birder wanting to bring more birds into your garden—no matter how big or small—this episode is packed with practical, experience-based advice. Elsa shares tips on what to plant, how to create a garden that works in harmony with nature, and how indigenous gardening can support biodiversity.

We also dive into Elsa’s incredible journey—from her early years in the heart of Zululand to her deep-rooted connection with the KwaZulu-Natal landscape. You’ll get a glimpse of the passion and knowledge that went into creating this beautiful book—and why it’s a must-have for every South African birder and gardener.

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:

Order your copy of South African Indigenous Garden Plants – The Gardener’s Guide from our online store

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://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza

Links from show:

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 with style, and the difference between chasing sightings and slowing down so the magic can reveal itself. His advice for young photographers is simple and strong: enjoy the process, show what you saw and felt, and your style will follow. A warm, encouraging listen for anyone who loves wild places.

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 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 recommend going back and giving it a listen first — it sets the stage for what’s to come.

Now in this second part of the series, we take things to the next level.

I’m joined once again by expert bird guide Joshua Olszewski, who takes us on a virtual birding trip across eight of Uganda’s top birding locations — from iconic swamps and lush montane forests to savannas and lowland rainforests. We unpack each spot’s unique birding opportunities, travel logistics, photographic potential, and the species you can expect to see there.

Whether you’re dreaming of seeing the regal Rwenzori Turaco, the elusive Green-breasted Pitta, or racking up lifers in the Albertine Rift, this episode is packed with practical advice and birding inspiration.

This episode is brought to you in proud partnership with Birding Ecotours — small group and custom-made birding adventures worldwide.

If you’re planning to visit Uganda, there’s no better way to travel than with Birding Ecotours. Their expert guides, seamless logistics, and local knowledge will help you maximise your birding time, find your target species, and travel with peace of mind.

Visit birdingecotours.com and turn your birding bucket list into reality.

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 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 cover the standout species, must-visit locations, trip logistics, and everything else you need to know to make your Ugandan birding adventure unforgettable. From Shoebill to Green-breasted Pitta, from Albertine Rift endemics to practical travel tips - this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

This episode is brought to you in proud partnership with Birding Ecotours - small group and custom-made birding adventures worldwide.

Birding Ecotours runs expertly guided birding tours to Uganda, designed to maximise your time in the field and give you the best possible chances of seeing the key species you’ve dreamed of. With their deep local knowledge, world-class guides, and seamless logistics, you can travel with peace of mind and focus on what really matters - great birds, great sightings, and unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re after the Shoebill, African Green Broadbill, or a list full of Albertine Rift endemics, Birding Ecotours will help you get there—ethically, safely, and in comfort.

Visit birdingecotours.com and turn your birding bucket list into reality. Spots fill fast—don’t miss out!

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

Cover photo by Dylan Vasapolli

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 the Amazon to protecting the endangered species of the fynbos - and his pivotal role in co-authoring the powerful new book Birds on the Brink. We talk about why birds are worth fighting for, the power of citizen science platforms like SABAP2, and how every birder, photographer, student, and storyteller has a part to play in saving South Africa’s most threatened birds.

We also discuss the importance of hope in conservation, and how Birds on the Brink blends science and storytelling to inspire meaningful action.

And if you're someone who enjoys a quick daily dose of birding inspiration, conservation news, ID tips, and community highlights, make sure you're signed up for The Daily Birder email. It’s your five-minute read that keeps you connected to the birding world every weekday. Sign up at www.thebirdinglife.com, or use the following link https://bit.ly/TBLnewslettersignup

So grab your notebook—or your field guide—and enjoy this inspiring conversation with Dr Alan Lee.

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:

BirdLife South Africa Science and Innovation Program https://www.birdlife.org.za/what-we-do/science-and-innovation/meet-the-team/

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 encounter with a Crested Barbet sparked her lifelong love of birds, the creative spark behind her best-selling nectar feeders, and how her products are now endorsed by BirdLife South Africa. Together, they explore the joy of garden birding, the importance of responsible feeding, and how even small acts - like putting up a birdbath - can make a big difference for wildlife.

It’s a conversation about creativity, community, and conservation, reminding us that when we care for the birds around us, we help nurture the world we all share.

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: