The Birding Life Podcast Network

After sharing the stage with Brent Coverdale at the 2025 BirdLife South Africa Owl Awards, it felt only fitting to sit down and continue the conversation — not under the spotlight, but behind the scenes.
In part one of two episodes, we focuses on the work behind the work - what it really takes to protect threatened species like Blue Swallows, vultures, cranes, cheetah and elephants. Brent shares what his role involves day to day, from field monitoring and aerial surveys to management plans and decision-making that quietly shapes the future of our wildlife.
This is an honest, accessible look at conservation beyond the surface - perfect for young conservationists, birders and photographers wanting to understand how impact truly happens.
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 three special guests whose stories are all connected to one remarkable place. Ntsikeni Nature Reserve lies in southern KwaZulu Natal, between Underberg and Kokstad. Today we explore the people, the conservation work, and the birds that make this reserve so special.
At the heart of this episode is a conversation with Dalu Ngcobo, recorded late one night at the lodge in the reserve. Dalu is a BirdLife South Africa accredited bird guide from the local community, and his story alone will make you want to experience Ntsikeni for yourself.
We begin the episode with Nandi Thobela, the Empowering People Programme Manager at BirdLife South Africa. She shares how Ntsikeni fits into the wider conservation and community work happening across the country.
We end the episode with John Kinghorn, who speaks passionately about why this reserve is so close to his heart and why it matters for the future of bird conservation.
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:
Ntsikeni Nature Reserve https://gobirding.birdlife.org.za/lower-drakensburg-foothills-ntsikeni-nature-reserve/

In this episode, we bring you the second half of our two-part conversation with Faansie Peacock.
In this episode, we dig even deeper into the topics that matter — from the ethics of birding, how we engage with rare birds, the role of technology in modern birding, and the importance of building community. Faansie also shares how becoming a dad has shaped his perspective on birds and life, and why curiosity, humility, and joy should always be part of the journey.
This episode is proudly associated with Firefinch App. Firefinch is more than just an app. It's a celebration of Southern Africa's birds, birders and wild places. We're always adding stuff, and all updates are free. Check out our new Whistlr bird call game, sound recordings of Fynbos Buttonquail and Herero Chat, and plates for Sabine's Spinetail and Upland Sandpiper! Plus 240 Dawn Chorus articles and podcasts. Firefinch – Facts, fun, feathers.
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:
Firefinch App https://www.firefinchapp.com/

As a new season of the YWP Podcast begins, Gabby returns to the Kruger National Park under very different circumstances.
Recent floods have left parts of Kruger damaged, roads washed away, and access limited and this is a powerful reminder that even places we see as timeless are shaped by nature’s force. In this opening episode, Gabby reflects on what it means to move through wild spaces on nature’s terms, drawing from a chaotic teenage camping trip to Pafuri and contrasting it with the reality of returning to a park in recovery.
This episode explores resilience, uncertainty, and the uncomfortable questions around conservation, access, privilege, and patience. It asks what it really means to love a place when it is wounded and whether we, as visitors, are willing to slow down and 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
Links from show:

In this episode, we begin a special two-part conversation with Faansie Peacock — one of Southern Africa’s most passionate and prolific birders, authors, artists, and educators. Faansie has played a massive role in shaping how we see and understand birds in this region, from field guides to bird calls to digital tools.
In this first part, we explore Faansie’s early birding journey, how his relationship with listing has changed over time, and how deepening your connection with birds can transform the way you bird. We also get into the importance of sound recording, what it means to truly know a species, and how fieldcraft and storytelling go hand in hand.
This episode is proudly associated with Firefinch App. Firefinch is more than just an app. It's a celebration of Southern Africa's birds, birders and wild places. We're always adding stuff, and all updates are free. Check out our new Whistlr bird call game, sound recordings of Fynbos Buttonquail and Herero Chat, and plates for Sabine's Spinetail and Upland Sandpiper! Plus 240 Dawn Chorus articles and podcasts. Firefinch – Facts, fun, feathers.
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:
Firefinch App https://www.firefinchapp.com/