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Eyes Above the Bush: Raptors of South Africa

Discover the fascinating world of South Africa’s birds of prey with expert bird guide Martin Taylor.

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Exciting opportunity

Take to the skies and discover the fascinating world of South Africa’s birds of prey with experienced bird guide Martin Taylor.

From powerful eagles and falcons to vultures and other remarkable raptors, this online course explores the identification, behaviour, ecology and conservation of some of the most captivating birds in the African wilderness.

Whether you’re a passionate birder, wildlife enthusiast, field guide or simply fascinated by the natural world, Eyes Above the Bush offers a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge and gain a new perspective on the incredible birds that soar above the bush.

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What to Expect from the Eyes Above the Bush Course

A Deeper Understanding of South Africa’s Raptors

Explore the incredible diversity of birds of prey found across southern Africa and discover what makes these birds such highly adapted predators.

You’ll learn more about raptor identification, behaviour, hunting strategies, feeding, breeding and their role within the wider ecosystem.

Live Learning with an Experienced Bird Specialist

Lectures take place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 18:00 (GMT+2) and run for 1–2 hours, each followed by a live Q&A session with Dr Paul Funston.

With over 30 years of field experience across Africa, Dr Funston is internationally recognised for his work on lion behaviour, social systems and conservation strategy. His sessions combine rigorous science with real-world insight from decades of hands-on research and management.

Interactive and research-driven, each lecture is grounded in lived field experience — with recordings available after every session so you can revisit key concepts at your own pace.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the Inside the Pride Course, participants will receive an EcoTraining Certificate of Participation.

This certificate confirms your attendance and engagement in a comprehensive, science-based exploration of lion ecology, behaviour and conservation presented by Dr Paul Funston.

What you can expect to graduate with

  • An EcoTraining Certificate of Participation
  • A deeper scientific understanding of lion evolution, behaviour and social systems
  • Insight into modern conservation challenges affecting lion populations across Africa
  • Greater confidence in interpreting lion behaviour within ecological and management contexts
  • Advanced knowledge valuable for safari guiding, conservation work, research and wildlife advocacy

Entry level requirements

  • 1 Basic understanding of English (write, read, and speak).
  • 2 Participants need to be older than 16 years.
  • 3 Access to a stable connection to the internet or WiFi.
  • 4 Access to an electronic device (e.g., tablet, cell phone, laptop) to view live lectures.

Why choose the Inside the Pride Course?

The Inside the Pride Course is designed to build your understanding step by step through six focused modules:

  1. Origins of the Lion: Evolution and ecology of Africa’s great savannah cat

  2. The Life of Lions: Understanding lionesses, cubs and pride dynamics

  3. The Secret Lives of Male Lions: Coalitions, territorial battles and survival strategies

  4. Threats to Lions and Conservation Responses: Modern conservation challenges and solutions

  5. Legal and Illegal Hunting of Lions: Understanding the complexities and controversies

  6. Living with Lions: From safari tourism to scientific conservation

Expert-led lectures

Learn from Martin Taylor

Martin Taylor brings extensive experience and a deep passion for the birds of prey of southern Africa to Eyes Above the Bush.

His knowledge and field experience provide a fascinating perspective on raptors, combining practical understanding with an appreciation of their behaviour, ecology and conservation.

The course is designed to take you beyond simply identifying birds and help you understand the lives of the remarkable animals you see above the bush.

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FAQ About the Eyes Above the Bush Course

This course is designed for birders, wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, field guides and anyone with an interest in South Africa’s birds of prey. No advanced birding experience is required.

This is a live online course, with interactive sessions led by Martin Taylor. Participants have the opportunity to engage with Martin and ask questions during the live sessions.

The course runs over four weeks, from 25 August to 17 September 2026, with eight live online lessons taking place every Tuesday and Thursday.

The course fee includes:

  • 8 live online lessons via Zoom

  • Interactive live Q&A with Martin Taylor

  • Full session recordings to keep and revisit

  • Downloadable slide decks with 400+ slides

  • EcoTraining Certificate of Completion

  • Access to the EcoTraining Online learner community

There is no formal assessment or exam. The focus is on interactive learning, developing your raptor identification skills and deepening your understanding of their behaviour, biology, ecology and conservation.

Yes. You will receive an EcoTraining Certificate of Completion.

Have more questions? Check out our general FAQ page or get in touch for more information.

General FAQ
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Testimonials

“Because the camp is unfenced, I really love waking up and seeing what animal tracks where left during the night. Waking up with an elephant standing at my tent was a bit scary, but also very cool. The whole experience here has been fantastic. A word of advice: If you know on the inside it’s for you, do it. Listen to your gut and trust it. Being here has given me peace of mind. It makes me happy and truly soothes my soul.”
Sam BakelAustralia
Sam Bakel
"During the course I rediscovered my love for birding - something that I have enjoyed since I was little - and one of my biggest highlights was learning tracking and trailing with Renias Mhlongo. It put me out of my comfort zone and really challenged me, which I loved. Being part of a group of all different cultures and making new friends has been really special. After the course ends, I’m definitely planning on continuing my career in guiding, where ever it may be."
Rufus CottrelUK
Rufus Cottrel
"I already feel I can go into the industry with a contribution to add, thanks to this course. It all seemed impossible before, but now it’s real and feasible. I love the course, the camps, the instructors and I am learning so much and having so much fun too. We have built a beautiful community here, all with a common goal and wanting the same things.”
Liam MueenuddinUSA
Liam Mueenuddin
“The online course teaches skills that can be translated to wherever you are working. You really don’t need any background knowledge to do the course, as the modules build on each other. The course opens your eyes to the earth itself. I believe it’s important to have an understanding of nature, which is what EcoTraining offers.”
Kaitlyn CampbellUSA
Kaitlyn Campbell
"It has been so refreshing to be somewhere where you live by the sun and weather and not your watch - to totally switch off from the world and not know what will happen next. I have had so many highlights - from seeing hyena on foot, having lions and rhino walk around our vehicle, hearing an elephant right outside my tent and even seeing incredible bush paintings - every week gets better."
Bert JansenBelgium
Bert Jansen
"What an amazing month! Friends made for life and I learnt so much . Thank you to the three instructors Norman, Tsundzukani and Kitsiso - you are all world class trackers and instructors. EcoTraining is lucky to have you. Thank you everyone for one of the best months of my life."
Brennon KnottSouth Africa
Brennon Knott