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

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/

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/

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

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