The Birding Life Podcast Network

Recent episodes

1. YWP Podcast - 2026 World Ranger Day Special with Saving the Wild's Jamie Joseph

   Jul 30, 202624 min

   On this special World Ranger Day edition of the podcast, Gabby sits down with conservation activist and Saving the Wild founder Jamie Joseph for one of the most powerful conversations we have had. While rangers continue to risk their lives protecting South Africa’s wildlife, Jamie reveals why the biggest battle is not always fought in the bush, but in the courtroom. Together, they unpack why so many rhino poachers never see prison, how corruption is undermining conservation, and why specialised wildlife courts and stronger legislation could change everything. Jamie also shares more about Saving the Wild’s campaign for meaningful legal reform, the powerful short film Rhino: The Endgame , the role of public advocacy, and the Hollywood feature film inspired by her work that is currently in development with Margot Robbie’s production company. This is a conversation about courage, justice, hope and the power of ordinary people to help create real change for wildlife and for the people risking everything to protect it. Watch Rhino: The Endgame and support the campaign at Change.org/rhino-laws . 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.savingthewild.com/jamie-joseph/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saving_the_wild?igsh=MWRvd3EwbHJneWl2 Rhino-The Endgame: https://youtu.be/0Nmk7-VeAUE?si=PqC-2-MvGJT0aRsq Petition: https://c.org/k4V7nVR9fr The power in us project: https://www.riverinerecords.com/thepowerinusproject Anderson Rocio: https://www.andersonrocio.com/powerinus

2. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 10 - More Than a Million Bird Sightings: The Story Behind Bindo

   Jul 6, 202658 min

   One of the things that has changed dramatically in birding over the last few years is the role that technology plays in helping us enjoy birds, keep records, contribute to conservation, and connect with other birders. Today we are going to be talking about an app that has made a significant impact on the Southern African birding community. If you've spent any time around birders recently, chances are you've heard people talking about Bindo. What started as an idea to get more people interested in birds has grown into a platform that now contains more than a million bird sightings. It has become a tool that birders are using to keep lists, contribute to citizen science, discover new birding locations, identify birds, and connect with a growing community of birders. In this episode, I am joined by David Winter. David has been involved with Bindo since its early days and has played a key role in helping shape the platform into what it is today. In our conversation, we chat about the story behind Bindo, how the app has evolved over the years, how it is helping beginner birders get started, the role of citizen science in conservation, whether artificial intelligence will change the way we bird, and why getting more people interested in birds may be more important now than ever before. Whether you're already a Bindo user, an eBirder, an atlaser, or simply curious about how technology is changing the birding world, I think you're going to find this conversation both interesting and practical.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: Bindo website https://www.bindo.app/

3. YWP Podcast Season 6 Episode 5 - Chacma Baboons, Human Conflict and the Meaning of Coexistence with Dr Paula Pebsworth

   Jul 3, 202647 min

   In this episode, Gabby is joined by primatologist Dr Paula Pebsworth from the Chacma Baboon Project for a thoughtful conversation about one of southern Africa’s most intelligent, adaptable and often misunderstood animals: the chacma baboon. Baboons are deeply social animals with complex relationships, strong learning abilities and important ecological roles, yet they are also frequently at the centre of human-wildlife conflict. From farms and homes to waste, crops and tourism spaces, the overlap between people and baboons can quickly become emotional, difficult and deeply divided. Paula shares the story behind the Chacma Baboon Project in Limpopo, her research across the Vhembe Biosphere Reserve, and the importance of combining science, local knowledge and lived experience when looking for practical ways forward. The conversation explores why conflict happens, how baboons learn to use human spaces, the damage caused by feeding and easy access to food, and why coexistence requires understanding from both sides. This episode is not only about baboons. It is about what happens when wildlife and people share the same landscapes, and how curiosity, research, responsibility and community action can help us move beyond fear and frustration towards more informed coexistence. 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: paula.pebsworth@gmail.com

4. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 9 - Return of the Oystercatcher: Stories of Hope in a Changing World

   Jun 29, 20261 hr 16 min

   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/

5. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 8 - The Wildlife Photographer's Guide to Better Birding

   Jun 22, 20261 hr 4 min

   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

6. YWP Podcast - Season 6 Episode 4 - Small Actions, Big Impact: The Fight for Pangolins

   Jun 21, 202652 min

   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/

7. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 7 - The Future of Birding is Here - Liam Botha & Connor Barr

   Jun 15, 20261 hr 1 min

   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

8. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 6 - The Ultimate Guide to Birding Limpopo Pt 2

   Jun 8, 202637 min

   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

9. YWP Podcast - Season 6 Episode 3 - Every Action Matters: Growing Hope with Roots & Shoots South Africa

   Jun 5, 202653 min

   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/

10. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 5 - The Ultimate Guide to Birding Limpopo Pt 1

    Jun 1, 202650 min

    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

11. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 4 - Byron Grobler. The Big Year Beyond the List

    May 26, 202658 min

    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/

12. YWP Podcast - Season 6 Episode 2 - Jamie Smart: Just 10 Years Old & Already Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year

    May 22, 202646 min

    At just 10 years old, Jamie Smart has already achieved something most wildlife photographers only dream of: being crowned Young Wildlife Photographer of the Year at the Natural History Museum in London. But this conversation is about far more than an award. Jamie is one of those young photographers who reminds us that age does not limit the way someone can see, feel, and understand the natural world. Behind her winning image is a young storyteller with genuine curiosity, patience, and a beautifully observant eye for wildlife. In what honestly felt like one of my most special conversations yet, we spoke about the moments that first sparked Jamie’s love for nature, the way she approaches photography, and what it feels like to have her work recognised on one of the biggest wildlife photography stages in the world. For YWP, this episode feels especially meaningful because it reflects so much of what we believe in: that young photographers are not just “up-and-coming” voices for the future. They are already here, already seeing deeply, already telling stories, and already making a real impact through their images. We also reflected on the powerful image of Jamie standing alongside legendary wildlife photographer Wim van den Heever, a moment that felt incredibly special to me, especially knowing that Wim’s son Juan is a close friend of mine. This is a conversation about wonder, creativity, quiet observation, and the magic of seeing the wild through fresh eyes. Jamie may only be 10, but her voice in wildlife photography already feels beautifully authentic, and this is a conversation I think the YWP community will really connect with. 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

13. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 3 - Junior Gabela. Zululand, Birding and a Life in the Field

    May 18, 202639 min

    Junior Gabela is a name known to many South African birders. Those who have birded with him will tell you about his incredible birding skills and his ability to find some of Zululand’s most sought-after species. In this episode, I sit down with this well-known Zululand bird guide to hear more about his story. In this conversation, we don’t just get to know Junior the birder. We dig deeper into the people and places that shaped his journey. For those who may never have visited Zululand, we also unpack the incredible birding in the region, along with where to find some of the area’s special birds. If you would like to book Junior as a guide, you can contact him on 082 667 3704 or email him at juniorgabela@yahoo.com . 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

14. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 2 - Cameron Blair. Honeyguides, Cisticolas and a Curious Mind. Part 2

    May 11, 202640 min

    Last week, we kicked off this conversation with Cameron Blair, and if you listened to Part 1, you’ll know just how good that was. In this episode, we pick up where we left off and go even deeper. We continue unpacking Cameron’s thinking around birding, his approach to cisticolas, and how to move from guessing to actually understanding what you are looking at in the field. There is a lot of practical value in this episode, especially if you want to grow in confidence with tricky groups like cisticolas. And as the conversation unfolds, you will hear more of the curiosity and thought process that makes Cameron such an interesting birder to learn from. If you enjoyed Part 1, this is a great follow on. Let’s get back into the conversation with Cameron. 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

15. YWP Podcast - Season 6 Episode 1 - Taking Conservation to the Skies with Sacha Dench

    May 8, 20261 hr 10 min

    In this episode of The Birding Life Podcast , we sit down with the incredible Sacha Dench -often known as the “Human Swan” - whose work has taken conservation storytelling to extraordinary heights. From flying thousands of kilometres alongside migratory birds to leading some of the most ambitious conservation expeditions in the world, Sacha has redefined what it means to raise awareness for wildlife. But behind the adventure lies something deeper – a powerful commitment to connecting people with nature in a way that truly inspires change. In this conversation, we explore the stories behind the flights, the challenges of pushing physical and mental limits, and the role of storytelling in modern conservation. Sacha shares what it takes to turn bold ideas into real impact, and why now, more than ever, we need voices that can bring the natural world closer to people. This is a conversation about courage, purpose, and the kind of passion that quite literally takes flight. 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 Sasha can be contacted via the following: sasha@conservation-without-borders.org www.conservation-without-borders.org

16. TBL Podcast - Season 14 Episode 1 - Cameron Blair. Honeyguides, Cisticolas and a Curious Mind. Part 1

    May 5, 202646 min

    A few months ago, on an atlas bash in the Free State, I met Cameron Blair. After some great evening conversations about birding, and especially his love for cisticolas, I knew I had to get him onto the podcast. We sat down last week to record what was meant to be one episode, but it quickly turned into two. So this is the start of a special two-part conversation with a fascinating ornithological student. We unpack how a project he started at just 12 years old, along with where he grew up, shaped his journey into birding. He shares his passion for honeyguides and cisticolas, along with plenty of other great insights. There is also a lot of practical advice here, especially if you want to get better at identifying cisticolas. There were a few recording challenges on Cameron’s side, which you may hear in parts of the audio, but don’t let that distract you. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 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

17. TBL Podcast - Season 13 Episode 10 - The Warbler Masterclass with Etienne Marais

    Mar 23, 202659 min

    In this episode, I chat with Etienne Marais. This is a really special conversation, and one that I think you are going to get a lot of value from. We recorded this episode in person at Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge. Not only did we get to sit down for this conversation, but I also had the chance to spend some time birding at the lodge and enjoyed some really special sightings during my stay. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the world of warblers. This is a group of birds that many birders find challenging, but Etienne breaks it down in a way that is simple, practical, and easy to follow. By the end of this episode, you will have a much better understanding of warblers, and more importantly, you will have the tools to go out and find and identify them for yourself. This episode is an overflow of years spent in the field, and it is a real privilege to learn from someone with this level of experience. 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: Etienne Marais website https://www.etiennebirding.com/ Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge website https://zaagkuilsdrift.co.za/

18. TBL Youth Podcast - Season 10 Episode 3 - Erin King and Paige Tavendale: Stuck in Savuti

    Mar 20, 202631 min

    Join Erin and Paige as they detail there journey through Botswana and Zambia on Josh's wild birding holiday! 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:

19. TBL Podcast - Season 13 Episode 9 - Saving the Secretarybird: A Conversation with Cassie Carstens Pt 2

    Mar 17, 202644 min

    This is Part 2 of my conversation with Cassie Carstens, the Secretarybird Project Manager at BirdLife South Africa. In the first episode, we explored Cassie’s journey into bird conservation, what shaped his passion for birds, and some of the experiences and lessons that led him to the work he is doing today. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I would highly recommend going back and starting there. In this second part of the conversation, we go deeper into the conservation work around the Secretarybird. We unpack the challenges facing the species, how research and data help guide conservation decisions, and what practical steps are being taken to try and secure a future for this iconic bird. Cassie also shares insights into how conservation projects operate behind the scenes, and how birders and the broader public can play a role in supporting the work being done. Once again, a big thank you to Summerveld Country Lodge in Outer West Durban for allowing us to record this conversation on their premises.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: If you would like to support the work Cassie is doing, you can reach him at cassie.carstens@birdlife.org.za BirdLife South Africa Secretarybird Conservation work website Summerveld Country Lodge https://summerveldcountrylodge.com/

20. TBL Podcast - Season 13 Episode 8 - Saving the Secretarybird: A Conversation with Cassie Carstens Pt 1

    Mar 9, 202650 min

    In this episode I bring you the first of a two part conversation with Cassie Carstens, the Secretarybird Project Manager at BirdLife South Africa. Before we begin, a big thank you to Summerveld Country Lodge for allowing us to record this episode on their premises. The lodge is located in Outer West Durban, and if you ever find yourself in the area, it’s well worth a visit. They serve outstanding food and the service is absolutely excellent. This episode is much more than just a conversation about conservation. It’s an honest look at the journey that shaped Cassie’s love for birds, his passion for species like the Secretarybird and Cape Parrot, and the lessons and mistakes that have helped shape his work along the way. We talk about who Cassie is, what drives him, and what it really looks like to work on the front lines of conservation. I also ask some important questions about the conservation of the Secretarybird, the wider role of BirdLife South Africa, and how decisions are made within the organisation. Along the way, we also get a fascinating glimpse into the world of research. How data is collected, how it is organised, and how it ultimately helps guide the decisions that shape conservation 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: If you would like to support the work Cassie is doing, you can reach him at cassie.carstens@birdlife.org.za BirdLife South Africa Secretarybird Conservation work website Summerveld Country Lodge https://summerveldcountrylodge.com/