Ian Sinclair is recognised as one of Africa's foremost field birders and has lead many expeditions to find and research birds. He is the most published author on the birds of Africa and its adjacent islands and has written over 20 bird books.

Phil Hockey (1956-2013), former Director of the Fitz Institute at UCT, was a recognised authority on the biology of southern African birds.

Warwick Tarboton is a well-known bird expert and writer who has produced a number of well-received books. He was awarded the Gill Memorial Medal for services to ornithology south of the Zambezi.

Peter Ryan is an Associate Professor at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town and is currently serving as president of BirdLife South Africa. He has written several books.