The Birding Life Podcast Network

The Birding Life Podcast Network
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The Birding Life Podcast Network

The Birding Life Podcast Network brings you a mix of shows all about African birding and nature. We're here to connect you with birds, the great outdoors, and the amazing people we meet along the way. Tune in and join us on our adventures!

  1. TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 7 - Future Guardians: Young Voices for Marion

    2D AGO

    TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 7 - Future Guardians: Young Voices for Marion

    As with many of this season’s episodes, this one was recorded on the Flock to Marion cruise. So far, we’ve heard from many of the older folk who joined the cruise — but today, it’s all about the youth! In this episode, we hear from four inspiring young birders. They’ll share their experiences on the cruise, their own birding journeys, and why they believe Marion Island must be restored. We kick things off with Caleb de Beer, followed by Matteo Risch, Nicolas Hopkins, and finally, super-achiever Jurie Blignaut. To wrap up the episode, we hear from BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project Manager, John Kinghorn. One episode, four incredible young voices! 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 - https://www.birdlife.org.za/

    56 min
  2. TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 6 - Wings, Wild Spaces, and the Perfect Shot – Timo Beke’s Story

    MAR 25

    TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 6 - Wings, Wild Spaces, and the Perfect Shot – Timo Beke’s Story

    In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Timo Beke, an incredibly talented wildlife and bird photographer from Belgium. I first met Timo during the unforgettable Flock to Marion Cruise, where we connected over a shared love for seabirds, photography, and birding adventures. Since then, I’ve had the chance to learn more about his birding journey—and in this episode, you’ll get to hear his story too. Timo talks about how birding became a passion during the pandemic, how photography shaped his journey, and how he’s turning his love for nature into a full-time career. We also dive into topics like competitive birding, the growth of young birders, and the power of birding to impact mental health and mindfulness. And while this episode wasn’t recorded on the cruise, the spirit of Flock to Marion and its mission is very much present. Please consider supporting BirdLife South Africa, especially their critical conservation work through the Mouse-Free Marion Project. 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: Timo Beke - Website Instagram Rory Kramer - Instagram BirdLife South Africa - https://www.birdlife.org.za/

    1h 11m
  3. YWP Podcast Season 3 Episode 3 - The Final Flight to 900: A Macaroni Penguin and a Birding Legacy

    MAR 21

    YWP Podcast Season 3 Episode 3 - The Final Flight to 900: A Macaroni Penguin and a Birding Legacy

    In part two of our conversation with Michael, we explore the final steps of his journey to 900, leading up to the mega sighting that sealed the deal—a Macaroni Penguin at Bloubergstrand! We discuss the excitement, the planning, and the sheer luck involved in such a rare find. Plus, we reflect on what this milestone means to him, his future birding goals, and advice for those hoping to follow in his footsteps. If you’ve ever dreamed of reaching the big numbers in birding, this episode is a must-listen! 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

    36 min
  4. TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 5 - Holly Parsons Finding Healing and Purpose Through Albatrosses

    MAR 18

    TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 5 - Holly Parsons Finding Healing and Purpose Through Albatrosses

    In this special episode, recorded onboard the Flock to Marion Cruise, I have the privilege of speaking with Holly Parsons. Holly is the passionate founder of the Albatross Lovers Facebook group, an artist, and a conservationist whose life took an extraordinary turn after two traumatic brain injuries. Through a deep connection with albatrosses, she found healing, purpose, and a mission to raise awareness for these majestic seabirds. We talk about her journey from international relations to birding, how art became a form of therapy, and why she’s committed to supporting vital conservation efforts like the Mouse-Free Marion Project. This is an episode that will inspire you, challenge you, and remind you of the power of birds to transform lives. If you love this episode, be sure to check out the show notes for links to Holly’s work and how you can support BirdLife South Africa in their mission to protect our incredible seabirds. 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 https://www.birdlife.org.za/ Albatross Lovers Facebook Group https://web.facebook.com/groups/albatrosslovers

    23 min
  5. TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 4 - The Power of Photography: Roger Machin on Birding and Saving Marion’s Seabirds

    MAR 14

    TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 4 - The Power of Photography: Roger Machin on Birding and Saving Marion’s Seabirds

    In this episode, I sit down with Rogen Machin from Canon South Africa to talk about the incredible role photography plays in birding and conservation. We discuss Canon’s involvement in the cruise, the evolution of bird photography, and how new technology is changing the game for birders and photographers alike. Rogen also shares his personal journey back into birding and what it’s been like experiencing the seabirds of the Southern Ocean firsthand. Beyond the cameras and lenses, this episode is also about conservation. The seabirds of Marion Island face a dire threat from invasive mice, which attack and kill chicks and even adult birds. BirdLife South Africa is leading vital efforts to protect these birds and their breeding colonies. If you’re passionate about seabirds and conservation, please consider supporting their work. 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 https://www.birdlife.org.za/

    39 min
  6. YWP Podcast Season 3 Episode 2 - Chasing 900: Michael’s Birding Journey to an Incredible Milestone

    MAR 7

    YWP Podcast Season 3 Episode 2 - Chasing 900: Michael’s Birding Journey to an Incredible Milestone

    Reaching 900 bird species in Southern Africa is no small feat, and in this episode, Gabby sits down with Michael, around the 24th person to ever achieve this incredible milestone. We dive into his birding journey—where it all began, the passion that drives him, and the unforgettable moments along the way. From early influences to the thrill of chasing rarities, Michael shares his experiences, challenges, and the dedication it takes to reach such heights in the birding world. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will leave you itching to grab your binoculars and hit the field!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

    50 min
  7. TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 3 - Seabird Stories: Hans Larsson on Art, Birding, and Conservation

    MAR 4

    TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 3 - Seabird Stories: Hans Larsson on Art, Birding, and Conservation

    In this episode, I’ll be interviewing Hans Larsson, one of the world’s leading bird illustrators. We’ll talk about his first experience birding in the Southern Ocean, what it was like guiding on the cruise, and his incredible work illustrating Seabirds: The New Identification Guide alongside Peter Harrison MBE. Joining me as a co-host is Josua Wenzel, one of South Africa’s most talented young bird artists. Later in the show, Josua will have his own segment, where he chats artist-to-artist with Hans about the craft of bird illustration, the challenges of painting seabirds, and how first-hand experience influences their work. Beyond the art, this episode is also a reminder of what’s at stake. The seabirds of Marion Island are under serious threat from invasive mice, which attack and kill chicks and even adult birds. The Mouse Free Marion Project is working to remove these threats and restore this critical breeding ground. If you love seabirds, please consider supporting this essential conservation effort. 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: Mouse-Free Marion Project website - https://mousefreemarion.org/ Hans Larsson Website - https://www.hanslarssonbirdart.com/ Josua Wenzel Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_scribbleworks/

    48 min
  8. TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 2 - Peter Harrison MBE – A Life with Albatrosses and the Urgency of Conservation

    FEB 27

    TBL Podcast Season 11 Episode 2 - Peter Harrison MBE – A Life with Albatrosses and the Urgency of Conservation

    In this episode, we are honored to welcome back Peter Harrison, MBE, for his second appearance on the podcast! A world-renowned seabird expert, artist, and conservationist, Peter has spent a lifetime studying, illustrating, and championing these incredible ocean wanderers. He has written and illustrated more than a dozen books, including his latest masterpiece, SEABIRDS: The New Identification Guide—a definitive resource for seabird lovers around the world. In this conversation, Peter shares his deep passion for albatrosses, the challenges these birds face, and why the Mouse-Free Marion Project is one of the most urgent conservation efforts of our time. 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: Mouse-Free Marion Website - https://mousefreemarion.org/ Peter Harrison MBE Website - https://www.peterharrisonseabirds.com/

    35 min
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    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    4 Ratings

    About

    The Birding Life Podcast Network brings you a mix of shows all about African birding and nature. We're here to connect you with birds, the great outdoors, and the amazing people we meet along the way. Tune in and join us on our adventures!

    Information

    • Creator
      The Birding Life Podcast Network
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      194
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © All rights reserved
    • Show Website
      The Birding Life Podcast Network

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