The Birding Life Podcast Network

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/

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 [email protected]

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/

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

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 [email protected].
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