In this episode, I’m joined by a familiar voice and returning guest, Dom Rollinson. Dom is not only one of South Africa’s top birders and a highly respected tour guide with Birding Ecotours, but he also brings a wealth of academic and field experience to every conversation.

This is the first of a two-part episode, where we take a deep dive into Dom’s picks for the top birding areas in Southern Africa. Whether you're a local birder looking for your next trip or an international guest planning your first visit, this episode is packed with practical info, expert insights, and personal stories. From rare endemics to world-class wildlife, we’ll explore the best destinations, what birds to target, when to go, and what makes each area unique.

This episode is brought to you in proud partnership with Birding Ecotours—offering small group and custom-made birding adventures in over 100 countries worldwide. If you’re serious about birds, it’s time to travel with the best. Visit birdingecotours.com and turn your birding bucket list into reality. Spots fill fast—don’t miss out!

So, grab your binoculars, open your field guide, and let’s jump into part one of this value-packed conversation with Dom Rollinson!

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 Ecotours - https://www.birdingecotours.com/

In this episode of The Birding Life Youth Podcast, Josh chats to his friend India Jardine about their recent trip to Botswana. India runs us through the highlights of our stay and enchants us with the many stories we came home 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

Links from show:

Trevor Hardaker joins The Birding Life Podcast for a focused look at his journey and work. He founded Southern African Rare Bird News in 2008 and still sends the daily reports. He chairs BirdLife South Africa’s National Rarities Committee. He co-runs Zest for Birds pelagic trips off Cape Town. In 2007 he became only the second birder to pass 900 species in the Southern African region.

Trevor shares the story behind the rare bird email, early influences, and the grind of gathering reliable reports every day. He talks about twitching, local patch birding, and a few standout rarities. He reflects on young birders, listing changes under the new Avilist, and why community and conservation matter.

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:

Zest for Birds - https://www.zestforbirds.co.za/

In this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome back one of my favorite guests, Pieter Verster, joining us all the way from just outside Kruger National Park. Pieter is not only a passionate birder but a champion of atlasing—a powerful, rewarding way of birding that directly contributes to conservation.

In this episode, we unpack what atlasing is, why it’s so valuable, and how it can take your birding to the next level. Whether you’ve never heard of a pentad or you’re already logging lists, this conversation is packed with practical advice, personal stories, and insights to inspire you to get involved.

We’ll explore how atlasing sharpens your birding skills, builds community, and helps protect the birds we love. Pieter also shares tips for getting started, finding access, staying safe, and discovering hidden gems in your area. This is one of those conversations that will make you want to grab your binoculars and head outside

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 today’s episode, I’m joined by expert guide and long-time Birding Ecotours team member Dylan Vasapolli. From remote escarpment forests to sprawling miombo woodlands, Dylan shares what it’s like to bird Angola — a land filled with rare endemics, untapped habitats, and unforgettable adventure. We cover what makes Angola such a unique destination, what kind of birder it’s best suited for, and the “holy grail” birds that make this a must-visit location.

Whether you’re looking to join a future tour or just want to learn more about this exciting destination, this episode is packed with everything you need to know about birding in Angola.

Grab your coffee, your notebook, and your bird list — and let’s get into 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:

Birding Ecotours https://www.birdingecotours.com/

In part two of our conversation, we dive into Mark’s love for wildlife photography, particularly his striking black-and-white fine art style. He shares his creative process, the role of storytelling in conservation photography, and how guiding has influenced his work behind the camera. We also discuss his interest in elephant behavior and communication—an area of research he’s deeply passionate about. Whether you're a photographer, nature lover, or aspiring conservationist, 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

Links from show:

Recorded on board the Flock to Marion Cruise, I had the incredible opportunity to speak with two field researchers, Danielle Keys and Leandri de Beer — women who’ve spent months living and working on Marion Island, one of the most remote and wild places on Earth.

They share what life is like on the island, from preparing for a 13-month stay to navigating extreme weather, and the highs and lows of field research in such an isolated environment. But more than that, they offer an honest and heartbreaking look at the devastating impact invasive mice are having on Marion’s seabirds — and why this matters.

Their first-hand experiences bring to life the urgent need for the Mouse-Free Marion Project, one of the most important island restoration projects in the world today. This is a cause that needs your support — not just for the birds, but for the sake of preserving one of the last truly wild places for future generations.

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:

Visit the Mouse-Free Marion Website - https://mousefreemarion.org/

In this episode, we sit down with Mark to explore his journey from high school to the African bush. He shares what inspired him to pursue a career in guiding, the challenges and rewards of field guide training, and the incredible experiences that come with working in the wild. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for wildlife into a career, this episode is packed with insight and advice!

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