Anton Schultz

Anton grew up in suburban Johannesburg, South Africa, where he quickly sought out temporary escape to other more rural parts of the country. His passion for birding sparked around the age of 14 when he read about birds in the Kruger National Park map book which soon became a roaring fire after seeing his first Burchell’s Coucal. He now loves traveling, fueling curiosity, fundraising, and finding the world’s many hidden gems.

In 2019, Anton embarked on the gap-year adventure of a lifetime to do a southern African Big Year, traveling to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Eswatini to chase birds on a budget. Anton ended his year with a total of 804 species, becoming the 7th and youngest (19 years!) birder to cross the 800 milestone for one calendar year in southern Africa. The year solidified what he already internally knew – birds are worth a lifetime of devotion.

In 2021, Anton pursued his undergraduate degree in ecology at the University of Pretoria, where he graduated in 2023. He’s now pursuing an honors degree in zoology, with his honors project centered around the use of artificial shade in a desert environment as a conservation tool for the range-restricted and Vulnerable Red Lark.

Continuing to grow his worldwide list from its African beginnings, Anton has already traveled Europe extensively, visiting Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Italy, and Romania. Much like his love for birding, this country list will only grow.

With a unique and offbeat personality, Anton loves to connect with people around the world, gather stories, memories, and, most importantly, lifers for his tour groups. Ask him for a game of chess on your tour with him and watch his eyes light up!