TBL Podcast - Season 15 Episode 4 - Eddie Germiquet: Every Bird Name Has a Story

We identify birds by name, we learn them by name, and we talk about them by name. But how often do we stop and ask where those names actually come from, what they mean, or what stories sit behind them?

My guest today is Eddie Germiquet, author of South African Birds by Name, a book that explores the origins and meanings behind the names of our birds.

Eddie’s own background makes him particularly well suited to this subject. His life has included birds, languages, research, ministry and a deep curiosity about words and where they come from.

In this episode, we are going to get to know Eddie, hear how the idea for the book developed, explore some of the more surprising stories behind South African bird names, talk about the research that went into the book, and also hear about the illustrations that Eddie created by hand using water soluble colour crayons.

We will also look at a bigger question: why do names matter?

In the foreword to the book, Mark Anderson writes, “Knowing why a bird is called what it is transforms identification from a simple exercise into a richer engagement with nature.”

I think that captures beautifully what this book is really about.

Visit our online store to get your birding related merchandise at great prices https://www.thebirdinglife.com/online-store

Intro and outro music by Tony ZA https://soundcloud.com/tonyofficialza