The Birding Life Podcast Network

What happens when three young scientists with a shared fascination for the natural world come together? You get ZooLogic ZA.
In this episode, Gabby sits down with Devon, Ross and Strijdom to talk wildlife, science, conservation and the curiosity that keeps pulling them deeper into the natural world. From rhino research and snake handling to insects, butterflies and the stories hidden in the ecosystems around us, the conversation explores their individual journeys as well as what brought ZooLogic together.
It’s a fun, fascinating conversation with three young people proving that science doesn’t have to stay behind laboratory doors. Sometimes it’s muddy, unpredictable, slightly chaotic and right out there in the wild.
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:

This week's episode is a little bit different, and a lot of fun.
My guest is Themba Robin, a South African comedian, content creator, actor, MC and voice artist, known for his satirical takes on everyday South African life and for finding humour in the things most of us walk straight past.
And that is part of what makes this conversation so interesting.
Birders are a very particular bunch. We have our habits, our obsessions, our strange little routines, and sometimes it takes someone from outside the birding world to point out just how funny some of it actually is.
So in this episode, Themba and I have a bit of fun with the birding community. We chat about what he has noticed about birders, what we take too seriously, and whether he is slowly becoming one of us.
We also talk about the more serious side of his growing connection with birds and conservation, including his work with BirdLife South Africa, his role in the inaugural Call of the Hadeda at the 2026 South African Bird Fair, and how humour can be used to get people to care about nature in a different way.
We also chat about his time in Chobe with Pangolin Safaris, his experience using the Sony RX10 V, and whether photography has changed the way he looks at birds and wildlife.
It is a fun conversation, but there is also a really interesting thread running through it about how people connect with birds, how we make birding feel more welcoming, and whether laughter can actually help us care 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
Links from show:
Themba Robin Instagram and Facebook
BirdLife South Africa https://birdlife.org.za/

Anton is well-known for his incredible Big Birding Year in 2019 where he managed to see over 800 bird species. Today we sit down and look back at that big year- his highs, his lows, his lifers and his dips. Anton shares with us how he raised money for White-winged Flufftail conservation whilst managing to fund his very own big year. Anton gives advice for youngsters potentially looking to do their own big year and for those looking to become better birders.
We also look at the exciting SnA Youth Birders Newsletter coming out in October which will be filled with loads of fantastic articles. Finally we have a quick chat about the SnA Youth Birder’s Spring Fling Challenge- including all the prizes up for grabs and our incredible sponsors.
Spring Fling Challenge Link: https://www.birdlasser.com/private/events/lyl2026
Socials:
Instagram-
Anton: @bird_the_world
SnA Youth Birders: @SA_Youthbirders
Tristan: @tspurway.wildlife
Youtube-
Tristan: https://www.youtube.com/@spurofthewild?sub_confirmation=1
Website-
Tristan: tspurwaywildlife.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:

We identify birds by name, we learn them by name, and we talk about them by name. But how often do we stop and ask where those names actually come from, what they mean, or what stories sit behind them?
My guest today is Eddie Germiquet, author of South African Birds by Name, a book that explores the origins and meanings behind the names of our birds.
Eddie’s own background makes him particularly well suited to this subject. His life has included birds, languages, research, ministry and a deep curiosity about words and where they come from.
In this episode, we are going to get to know Eddie, hear how the idea for the book developed, explore some of the more surprising stories behind South African bird names, talk about the research that went into the book, and also hear about the illustrations that Eddie created by hand using water soluble colour crayons.
We will also look at a bigger question: why do names matter?
In the foreword to the book, Mark Anderson writes, “Knowing why a bird is called what it is transforms identification from a simple exercise into a richer engagement with nature.”
I think that captures beautifully what this book is really about.
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

Nardus Taljard has built an impressive online community around something he genuinely loves, wildlife, Kruger and the stories that unfold in the wild.
But what does it actually take to turn that passion into a successful digital platform?
In this episode, Gabby sits down with Nardus to chat about the journey behind the content, from growing an audience and working with brands to photography, conservation, the realities of social media and some of the unexpected opportunities that have come his way.
We also get into the responsibility that comes with having a voice online, why authenticity matters, and how content can become far more than simply chasing views and likes.
A fun, honest conversation with plenty of stories from behind the screen, and a look at what happens when passion, purpose and a camera come together.
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