The Birding Life Podcast Network

In this episode I’m joined by Anton Schultz for an honest and wide ranging conversation about birding, passion, and personal growth.
Anton’s journey began like many others. A love for nature as a kid, a family trip to Kruger, and a field guide placed in his hands that opened up a whole new world. What started as curiosity quickly turned into deep commitment, eventually leading him to take on a full birding Big Year.
We talk about how his approach to birding has changed over time. From list driven birding and chasing lifers, to slowing down and finding real joy in everyday species. Anton shares what it’s really like to attempt a Big Year on a budget, including the planning, pressure, setbacks, and emotional highs and lows that come with it.
We also explore how birding shaped his identity, influenced his academic path, and helped him grow as a person beyond the birds themselves.
This is a reflective episode about why we bird, how we mature through the process, and what we learn along the way.
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:
Follow on Anton on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/bird_the_world/
Red Lark photo credit Dylan Vasapolli
https://www.birdingecotours.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
Links from show:

In this episode we dive into the fascinating world of rare birds in Southern Africa. There is really only one person who could join me for this conversation, Trevor Hardaker.
Together, we look back at some of the best rare bird sightings from Southern Africa in 2025, as well as the birders who found them. But this episode goes beyond the highlights. We get practical and unpack how to improve your chances of finding rare birds in the field, how to submit sightings, how records are assessed, and how it is decided which birds make it onto the Southern African Rare Bird News report.
This episode will bring back memories of some unforgettable Southern African sightings from 2025, while also giving you the tools and confidence to add a few rare birds of your own in the year ahead.
If you would like to sign up for the SA Rare Bird News Report, email Trevor at [email protected] and he will add you to the list.
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

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/