Listen to this episode here
In the first episode of Season 10 of The Birding Life Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with John Kinghorn, the newly appointed Avitourism Project Manager at BirdLife South Africa. John shared insights about the much-anticipated Flock to Marion Cruise, setting sail in January 2025. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering booking their spot on this extraordinary birding adventure, offering details about what to expect, how to prepare, and why this event is a rare opportunity for birders from around the world.
A New Role, A New Journey
We kicked off the episode by congratulating John on his new role. After months of transitioning into the position, he reflected on the exciting opportunities it has brought. His passion for conservation has always been at the core of his career, and though he doesn't hold a degree in science, he’s committed to conservation through education and avitourism.
One of the highlights of his work is leading BirdLife South Africa’s Community Bird Guide Program, the flagship project of his tourism role. This program provides community members with the tools to turn their love for birds into a profession, offering vital support to conservation efforts and bird tourism.
The Power of Passion and Perseverance
John’s story is one of perseverance. Reflecting on his journey from his early days in birding—when he participated in the Big Year and the Young Birders movement—he spoke candidly about the challenges he’s faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He had to leave the tourism industry temporarily and pursue a completely different career path, but his deep-rooted passion for conservation led him back to his true calling.
His advice to anyone pursuing their passion? Keep going. "You never know when a door will open," he said. "Your passion will pave the way."
Flock to Marion: A Birding Adventure Like No Other
The heart of our conversation was, of course, the Flock to Marion Cruise, taking place from January 24-31, 2025. For birders, this is more than just a cruise; it’s a journey into the depths of the southern oceans, home to some of the most sought-after seabirds on the planet.
John reminisced about his experience as a guide on the previous Flock to Marion Cruise, where thousands of birders gathered aboard the MSC cruise liner. "It was a spectacle that will stay with me for life," he said. The sheer volume of highly sought-after birds—many of which most people only see in field guides—was astonishing. Wandering albatrosses, sooty albatrosses, and a plethora of petrels surrounded the vessel, creating an unforgettable scene.
One memory that stood out to both John and me was the sight of hundreds of wandering albatrosses gracefully gliding around the ship. These giants of the sea, with their three-meter wingspans, are truly a marvel of nature. As John pointed out, these birds spend hundreds of days at sea before returning to land, and witnessing them up close is an emotional experience for any birder.
More Than Just Birding: A Cause for Conservation
Beyond the birdwatching, the Flock to Marion Cruise is an opportunity to contribute to an important conservation cause. Marion Island, part of the Prince Edward Islands, is home to various seabird species, but it has been plagued by introduced house mice, which have a devastating impact on bird populations. The cruise serves as a fundraiser for The Mouse-Free Marion Project, an essential initiative aimed at reversing human-caused environmental damage and protecting these vulnerable seabirds.
Why Return to the Cruise?
For those who participated in the last Flock to Marion Cruise, you might be wondering if it's worth going again. John’s answer was a resounding yes. He explained that while the previous cruise was incredible, this new journey offers a fresh perspective. "You’ll see and learn something new each time" he said. For returning participants, the experience is likely to be even more enriching, as you can build on the knowledge and skills gained from the first cruise.
What to Expect and How to Prepare
So, what can participants expect on this adventure? In terms of birds, albatrosses are undoubtedly the stars of the show. The great albatrosses, including wandering albatrosses, will likely be seen in large numbers. Other highlights include diving petrels, king penguins, and numerous other seabirds that call the southern oceans home.
For those embarking on the cruise for the first time, John shared some practical tips:
- Pack warm clothing: Although the cruise takes place in January (the Southern Hemisphere's summer), temperatures around Marion Island can be chilly.
- Bring binoculars: Essential for any birder. A camera is also recommended, though don’t expect to capture award-winning shots, given the challenging conditions.
- Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the trip.
- Be prepared for seasickness: Consult your doctor for seasickness medication, even if you don’t think you’ll need it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
One common question is whether to bring a spotting scope. John’s advice? If you have one and the space to bring it, go ahead, but be mindful that scopes can get in the way, especially in crowded areas of the ship.
An Unmatched Birding Experience
One of the highlights of the Flock to Marion Cruise is the accessibility to world-class birding guides. Experts like Peter Harrison and many top South African bird guides will be on board, offering their knowledge and expertise. For any birder, having the opportunity to learn from these professionals—who would normally charge thousands of dollars for guided tours—is an incredible bonus of this cruise.
Finally, while the birding is the main focus, the cruise is also a great family holiday. Non-birders can enjoy all the amenities of a traditional cruise, including pools, theatres, casinos, and a variety of activities for kids. This makes it a perfect trip for birders to bring along their families, even if they aren’t all birding enthusiasts.
How to Book
For those interested in booking, it’s easy. Head over to the BirdLife South Africa website and find the Flock to Marion 2025 page under the events tab. All the necessary booking information can be found there, and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to BirdLife South Africa’s team via the contact details on the site.
Conclusion
The Flock to Marion Cruise is a truly unique birding adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning your birdwatching journey, this trip offers something special. Not only will you witness some of the most incredible seabirds on the planet, but you’ll also be contributing to an important conservation effort.
For anyone with a passion for birds, the southern oceans, or adventure, the Flock to Marion Cruise is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss.
Listen to this episode here
Get ready for the Flock to Marion Cruise with these three podcast episodes, Peter Harrison interview, Mouse Free Marion Episode, TBL Southern Ocean Episode, and Deflocking Marion.
Order the Guide to Seabirds on Southern Africa (Second Edition) here
To find out more about the Flock to Marion Cruise:
Visit the BirdLife South Africa Website
Book your space on the cruise on the MSC website
John Kinghorn - Email
Clare Neal - Email
Follow John Kinghorn on Instagram
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