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In the latest episode of The Birding Life Podcast, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Faansie Peacock, a respected birder, author, and illustrator known for his passion and dedication to birding and conservation. Our conversation covered everything from the recent launch of the Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng, insights on bird identification, the value of journaling for birders, to his personal thoughts on maintaining a balance between work and family life. Here are some highlights from our chat:
The Firefinch App and Bird Identification
Faansie kicked things off with updates on the Firefinch App, an app he and his team developed to assist birders with species identification. Faansie emphasized that their aim was not just to create an app but also to provide top-notch customer service. "Birding can be a tough hobby, especially when it comes to identifying tricky species like waders," he shared, noting how the app focuses on helping birders with unique features, such as different calls and shapes, especially for rarer sightings.
Reflecting on the complexity of identification, Faansie spoke about the joy (and occasional frustration) of encountering unique species. I shared a story of mistaking a kingfisher species during a recent outing, only realizing his error upon closer inspection of his photos. This anecdote led us into a discussion on the importance of close observation in birding. "It’s all about training your mind to focus beyond just color," Faansie advised, adding that size, shape, and behavior are crucial aspects to consider when identifying birds.
The Benefits of Journaling in Birding
As a lifelong birder, Faansie has kept a birding journal for decades. In his view, jotting down observations adds depth to the birding experience and sharpens identification skills. "If you try to sketch a bird, you’ll start to notice things you’d otherwise miss – it makes you see," he said, comparing it to drawing a bicycle without a model and realizing you don’t remember every detail despite seeing bikes all the time. Journaling is, in essence, a way to slow down and connect more deeply with each sighting. While photography is helpful, Faansie argued that journals offer something uniquely personal and lasting.
Faansie’s Latest Project: The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng
This year, Faansie launched an updated version of The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng, a comprehensive book covering over 90 birding sites in the region. Created with the help of co-authors and the birding community, the guide is designed for both beginner and advanced birders, with easy-to-follow maps, beautiful photos, and practical site information. Unlike traditional field guides, this book balances informative content with a playful tone, a hallmark of Faansie's writing style.
One exciting addition to this edition is the expanded section covering new birding sites beyond Gauteng, including popular spots in Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and even the Kruger National Park. Faansie described the book as a labor of love, highlighting the joy of laying out the pages and bringing each location to life visually.
Conservation Concerns and the Future of Birding Sites
As much as the book celebrates the rich birding diversity in Gauteng, Faansie shared his concerns about conservation challenges. “The habitat loss is noticeable – large grassland species, raptors, and waterbirds are all under pressure,” he said. As birders, Faansie feels a responsibility to stay aware of these changes, explaining how some birding spots had to be omitted in this edition due to habitat decline or lack of accessibility.
However, Faansie remains optimistic. “The birding community here is strong and growing,” he noted, explaining how many local bird clubs and community efforts continue to contribute to conservation. He hopes the book will inspire readers to explore new sites and appreciate the critical need to protect these areas.
Finding Balance: Birding, Family, and a Passion-Driven Career
As our conversation wrapped up, I asked Faansie about his extraordinary productivity – balancing family life, a full-time career, and his prolific creative output. Faansie admitted that it’s not easy to juggle everything, sharing that he often sacrifices sleep and time off. Yet he finds joy in his work, which keeps him going. “Every morning, I wake up excited to get going,” he said, noting that working from home allows him to stay close to his family while pursuing his projects.
What’s Next for Faansie Peacock?
In addition to his ongoing conservation and publishing work, Faansie hinted at exciting future projects, including a unique line of posters depicting local bird species and habitats. Whether it’s his books, his artwork, or his app, Faansie’s mission is clear: to make birding fun, accessible, and meaningful for everyone.
For anyone looking to explore the vibrant birding scene in Gauteng, Faansie’s Chamberlain Guide is an invaluable resource. This guide showcases the province’s surprising biodiversity and, perhaps more importantly, serves as a reminder of the beauty and importance of conservation in our shared natural spaces.
Listen to this episode here
Find out more about the Firefinch App here
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