Meet Martin Grienenberger

Martin Grienenberger was born in Mulhouse, in north-eastern France. He discovered his passion for birds a little later than most, in his early twenties, when a shift from academic studies to organic farming opened his eyes to the natural world around him. Since then, birding has become his true passion, taking him from the hedgerows of France to the steppes of Central Asia and the mountains of the Caucasus.

He has worked on a variety of conservation projects, including the protection of harriers in western France and monitoring MacQueen’s Bustard in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Martin has also contributed to migration monitoring projects, gaining extensive experience at sites in Georgia, Lebanon, Denmark, and France, and has a particular interest in nocturnal bird migration, a subject he finds fascinating.

Now embracing guiding as a new professional chapter, Martin is eager to share his enthusiasm and knowledge with others. He combines solid field experience with professionalism and curiosity, and is attentive to the wishes and needs of his guests, ensuring that each birding experience is both insightful and enjoyable.

When not in the field, Martin enjoys bird photography, hiking, and exploring new corners of the world.

1. How did you become interested in birding?

Unlike many birders, my passion for nature, and for birds in particular, came relatively late, around the age of 23, when I received a Collins Bird Guide and began exploring the birds around my home. One discovery quickly led to another, and before long I was hooked, and I haven’t put down my binoculars since.

2. Experience

I’ve worked as a field worker on several conservation projects: in France with harriers and in Central Asia with the MacQueen’s Bustard. I’ve also had some rewarding volunteer experiences monitoring bird migration in Lebanon, Denmark, France, and Georgia. I’m new to guiding as a tour leader, and I’m really excited to begin this new chapter of my professional life!

3. Most memorable Birding Experience

Through my travels and birding adventures, I’ve been extremely fortunate to witness many unforgettable moments: stumbling across a Clouded Leopard in Khao Yai National Park, having my lunch stolen by a Sun Bear in Kaeng Krachan NP, hiking through a tropical infection on Mount Kitanglad to see the Philippine Eagle, witnessing the awe-inspiring raptor migration at the Batumi bottleneck, spotting the Horned Guan on the slopes of Volcán Atitlán in Guatemala… and so many more.

4. Travel Wishlist

There are countless destinations I dream about: Papua for the Birds of Paradise, spotting a Harpy Eagle somewhere in the South American jungle, Australia and New Zealand, birding in Uganda and South Africa, Mongolia, Finland and Japan with their wintering Steller’s Sea Eagles… the list goes on!

5. Favourite Bird Family

I have a special love for raptors. Their diversity, their adaptations to different environments and preys, and their breathtaking migrations never cease to amaze me.
I’m also very fond of rallids, probably because of the peaceful hours spent waiting quietly at the edge of wetlands, hoping for a fleeting glimpse of a crake moving through the reeds.

6. Equipment

For birding, I use 10×42 Kite Lynx HD+ binoculars and a Swarovski ATX 25-65×85 scope. While birding will always come first for me, I’ve recently developed an interest in bird photography. I use a Sony RX10 IV, which has turned out to be an excellent companion.

Photo Gallery

“There is an unreasonable joy to be had from the observation of small birds going about their bright, oblivious business”

Join one of Martin's tours

Shoot
me a mail

partners[at]rubythroat.team