ACBirdphotography

ACBirdphotography Birder and bird photographer based in South Africa. Founder of The Birding Life. Marketing Manager at Birding Ecotours. Let’s plan your next birding trip.

Over December, I had the opportunity to loan a Canon RF 100–500mm lens, which I paired with my Canon R7, and I was genui...
29/01/2026

Over December, I had the opportunity to loan a Canon RF 100–500mm lens, which I paired with my Canon R7, and I was genuinely blown away by the results.

This Malachite Kingfisher was perched just a few metres from the road at Tala Private Game Reserve as we drove past. As much as I’d like to take the credit, having this Canon combination in hand made it far easier to achieve consistently sharp images.

Like most photographers, I do some post processing on my images, but editing cannot turn a bad photo into a good one. What impressed me most was how strong the images were straight out of the camera, with very little editing needed.

For bird photographers considering an upgrade, this camera and lens pairing is a fantastic option. Even in low light, with some noise reduction applied in post processing, the images remained sharp and detailed.

If you’re looking to join a bird photography trip in KwaZulu Natal, or elsewhere in South Africa, I’d be happy to help you plan an experience focused on getting great images. You can send me a DM or email [email protected]

You never know what special moments await when you spend time in nature.A few weeks ago, we spent the morning birding at...
04/01/2026

You never know what special moments await when you spend time in nature.

A few weeks ago, we spent the morning birding at the wonderful Tala Game Reserve. While driving, we noticed something low down in a small tree. At first it was hard to make out what we were looking at, but when we stopped and took a closer look, we realised it was a Black-winged Kite perched on a nest.

We switched off the engine and took time to soak in the moment. What stood out was how low the nest was positioned, much lower than expected. The sighting became even more special when its partner flew in, carrying additional nesting material.

Moments like this are a reminder of just how rewarding time in nature can be, especially under African skies.

Canon R7 with 100-500mm RF lens

This was a lovely way to start the new year.The Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala) is a species that, like many...
01/01/2026

This was a lovely way to start the new year.

The Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala) is a species that, like many warblers, is heard far more often than it is seen.

When I arrived at the grass farm this morning, two individuals were calling from bracken growing alongside a reed bed. I spent about 30 minutes listening as they called, and every few minutes they briefly showed themselves. What I found especially interesting was that the pair did not only call, but often accompanied this with a distinct whirring of their wings.

While some birders might not find half an hour with a pair of warblers all that exciting, this was a very special encounter for me. It gave me the chance not only to photograph them, but also to learn a little more about their behaviour.

From a photography point of view, the Canon R7 with a 100–500mm RF lens made it possible to capture images of the pair among the reeds, even when they only appeared for a few seconds at a time.

A slow late afternoon boat cruise on the Shire River. Malawi is one of my favourite experiences I have ever had the priv...
26/12/2025

A slow late afternoon boat cruise on the Shire River. Malawi is one of my favourite experiences I have ever had the privilege to enjoy. 🇲🇼

The guides at Mvuu Camp know exactly how to position guests to get incredible photographic opportunities of the species encountered along the way.

This was one of many Malachite Kingfishers we saw along the riverbanks. The boat was carefully positioned, the engine switched off, and we slowly drifted closer. Moments later, we were just a few metres from this stunning bird.

Experiences like this stay with you long after the camera is packed away.

Canon R7 with 100-500mm RF lens

Many people have a love hate relationship with larks.They love seeing them, but hate having to identify them.Luckily, th...
21/12/2025

Many people have a love hate relationship with larks.

They love seeing them, but hate having to identify them.

Luckily, this species of lark calls often and makes things a little easier. The Rufous-naped Lark’s call is a common sound in the right habitat. The way we remember its call is that it sounds like it is saying “same to you."

So be careful what you tell this bird when you encounter it, because no matter what you say, its reply will always be “same to you.”

Canon R7 with 100-500mm RF lens

A special sighting on the way out of Tala Private Game Reserve today.I spent nearly half an hour watching a Grey Crowned...
20/12/2025

A special sighting on the way out of Tala Private Game Reserve today.

I spent nearly half an hour watching a Grey Crowned Crane walking just a few metres away from a Blue Crane. Moments like this stay with you.

Birds have a way of uniting us across man-made borders. The Blue Crane is the national bird of South Africa, while the Grey Crowned Crane is the national bird of Uganda.

Sadly, the Grey Crowned Crane is globally endangered. Encounters like this remind us why conserving these species, and the places they depend on, matters so much.

Canon R7 with 100-500mm RF lens

Tala Private Game Reserve

What's for dinner?As we sort out the Dinner plans are coming together as the weekend begins, while this Little Bee-eater...
19/12/2025

What's for dinner?

As we sort out the Dinner plans are coming together as the weekend begins, while this Little Bee-eater enjoys a late afternoon snack.

It clearly never learned to chew with its mouth closed 😂

📸 Canon R7 with 100-500mm RF lens

The Southern Brown-throated Weaver is one of my favourite weaver species.Although I’ve seen this bird many times, Blue Z...
19/12/2025

The Southern Brown-throated Weaver is one of my favourite weaver species.

Although I’ve seen this bird many times, Blue Zebra Island Lodge in Malawi has to be one of the best places to photograph it. The birds are relaxed, active, and often provide fantastic photographic opportunities. 🇲🇼

The Firefinch app shared a piece of information that shows why seeing this species in Malawi is so special. The type specimen of this bird was collected during David Livingstone’s famous Zambezi expedition, when the expedition’s boat was stuck in Elephant Marsh in Malawi in November 1861.

It’s always special when a bird connects not only to a place, but also to a moment in history.

Please consider giving this photo a rating on eBird: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/647138361

To plan your visit to the Warm Heart of Africa, or for more information in Malawi’s birding, please email [email protected]

Canon R7 with 100-500mm RF lens

BirdPhotography BirdingLife BirdingCommunity WeaverBirds WarmHeartOfAfrica

When you get the chance to see Malawi’s only endemic bird, you take as many photos as you can.The Yellow-throated Apalis...
18/12/2025

When you get the chance to see Malawi’s only endemic bird, you take as many photos as you can.

The Yellow-throated Apalis can be tricky to photograph, especially in low light. Forest conditions are not always kind to cameras. Luckily, this individual sat beautifully and gave us the perfect opportunity.

Moments like this make every challenge worth it.

Please consider giving this photo a rating on eBird:
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/647133963

I’d love to help connect you with this special species. It is one of our key target birds on the Birding Ecotours Malawi birding tour. If you’d like more information or want to secure your space, email [email protected] or send me a DM.

📷 Canon R7 with 100-500mm RF lens

Not only is Malawi home to some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, it is also one of Africa’s most underrated...
18/12/2025

Not only is Malawi home to some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, it is also one of Africa’s most underrated photography destinations. 🇲🇼

I captured this image of a Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) in low light along the edge of the Shire River in Liwonde National Park, Malawi.

If you would like to experience the magic of Malawi in 2026, including the chance to see African Pitta, head over to the Birding Ecotours website. Link in the comments.

If you would like advice on birding in Malawi or want to reserve your place on the tour, email [email protected]

Please consider giving this photo a rating on eBird:
https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/647118736

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