Birding is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifelong passion, a journey filled with unforgettable moments, and sometimes, an obsession. In proud association with The Birding Life Podcast Network, in a recent episode of the Young Wildlife Photographers of Southern Africa Podcast, host Gabby Sykora sat down with Michael Mason, a passionate birder from Cape Town, to talk about his incredible milestone—seeing 900 species in Southern Africa.
From his early days flipping through field guides to chasing rarities across the country, Michael’s story is an inspiring look into what it takes to reach such a remarkable number.
From Zimbabwe to Cape Town: The Early Years
Michael was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, but he has spent most of his life in the Western Cape, a region known as "rarity central" among birders. Growing up, his passion for nature was sparked by family trips to Hwange National Park, Addo Elephant Park, and Mountain Zebra National Park. While many wildlife enthusiasts focus on the "big five," Michael soon found himself drawn to the world of birds.
Like many birders, his journey started with big, colourful birds—the kind that grab your attention. But over time, his interest expanded to include rarities, detailed identification, and photography.
“I’ve always been engaged with nature, not just birds. Reptiles, butterflies, frogs—everything fascinated me. But eventually, I started listing birds, and that’s when things got serious.”
A Psychiatrist by Profession, A Birder by Passion
When he’s not in the field chasing rare birds, Michael works as a psychiatrist at Panorama Mediclinic in Cape Town, specializing in memory disorders, Alzheimer’s, and mental health conditions in older adults. Interestingly, he finds a strong link between birding and mental well-being.
“Birding is an incredible way to escape stress. It forces you to be in the moment—whether you’re watching a bird feed its chick or trying to capture that perfect flight shot. It’s a mindful activity that brings you back to nature.”
Birding has become more than just a passion—it’s a way to disconnect from the fast-paced digital world and reconnect with something real.
900 Birds: The Journey to a Milestone
Hitting 900 species in Southern Africa is no small feat. As lists grow longer, each new bird becomes harder to find. But for Michael, the journey has never been about numbers—it’s about the experience.
“Some birds came surprisingly easy, like Ross’s Turaco, which is now a fairly reliable find at a lodge. Others, like the Little Blue Heron, took nine trips before I finally got it.”
His 900th species? The Macaroni Penguin, seen during the Flock to Marion 2025 Cruise. He had hoped for a more challenging milestone bird like the Angola Cave-Chat or Three-Banded Courser, but in the end, the journey was what mattered most.
The Evolution of Birding in Southern Africa
Michael has seen birding evolve significantly over the years. In the past, birders relied on phone trees, printed maps, and vague directions to find rarities. Today, thanks to WhatsApp groups, GPS pins, and birding apps like BirdLasser, finding and identifying birds has never been easier.
“We take a lot for granted. In the old days, directions were like, ‘Go past the third farm gate on the left, just after the bridge.’ Now, you just drop a pin and go.”
But while technology has made things easier, Michael warns against getting too caught up in the numbers. Instead of rushing to tick off new birds, he encourages birders to slow down and enjoy the experience.
“Your birding journey is your own. Don’t compare it to someone else’s. Enjoy the moments, the sightings, and the connection with nature.”
Final Thoughts: Advice for Young Birders
For those just starting their birding journey, Michael offers a few key tips:
Be patient – Rare birds will come with time.
Enjoy the process – Spend time observing bird behavior, not just checking species off a list.
Use photography – Capturing birds in good light enhances the experience.
Don’t compare yourself to others – Birding is personal, not a competition.
As Michael continues his birding adventures, one thing is certain—his passion isn’t slowing down anytime soon. And for young birders in Southern Africa, his journey serves as an inspiration: With dedication, curiosity, and a bit of luck, anything is possible.
Listen to the Full Episode
To hear Michael Mason’s full birding journey, including his favorite sightings, biggest dips, and photography tips, listen to Part 1 of the Young Wildlife Photographers of Southern Africa Podcast on [Spotify / Apple Podcasts / The Birding Life Website ].
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