Meet Machiel Valkenburg
1. How did your birding career start?
My journey into birding began at a very young age, thanks to my father, who sparked my interest when I was about seven years old. We spent nearly every weekend exploring the birdlife in the south of the Netherlands, and soon we joined a local birding club. By the time I was 12, I was already assisting with bird surveys, and at 18, I became the club president.
Around this time, my passion for birding led me to venture further afield with my father. A memorable trip to the Gambia with the Dutch company Stichting Vogelreizen marked the start of my international birding career. This experience fueled my desire to explore new regions, and at 22, I found myself birding in Kazakhstan. Captivated by the region, I returned soon after and founded Central Asia Birding in 2006.
Five years later, I rebranded the company as Rubythroat Birding Tours, reflecting my desire to expand beyond Central Asia. Now, nearly 20 years later, my passion for birding and exploration remains as strong as ever.
2. Experience
I have been leading birding tours worldwide for the past 20 years. As the owner of Rubythroat Birding, I’ve had the privilege of guiding countless enthusiasts through some of the most diverse and remote regions on the planet. For the past decade, I also worked with Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, one of the most prestigious birding companies in the world. Currently, I’m a birding leader for the renowned American-based company, Tropical Birding.
3. Most memorable Birding Experience
I must say, I’m fortunate to lead a life filled with incredible wildlife experiences as a tour leader. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing some truly marvellous sights, from spotting a Bornean Clouded Leopard in the rainforest of Danum to watching a Satyr Tragopan display in Bhutan. Another unforgettable moment was witnessing the migration of 70,000 Redwings along the Dutch coast.
However, there is one experience that will always give me goosebumps. The first was my encounter with a tiger in Corbett National Park, India. During that time, elephant rides were still available, and it was from the back of an elephant that I had my first sighting of a male tiger. We were surrounded by alarm calls from deer—a sure sign of a predator nearby—when suddenly, the massive head of a male tiger emerged from the bushes, his body concealed by the thick vegetation. It was an extraordinary moment shared with one of nature’s top predators.
4. Travel Wishlist
My travels are primarily focused on Asia and Africa, where I have developed a deep love for the region’s wildlife and birding opportunities. I am particularly passionate about seeking out pittas scattered across Southeast Asia, an endeavor that has become a personal quest. Equally, I am eager to embark on an expedition to Northeast Russia to find the enigmatic Spoon-billed Sandpiper in its breeding plumage at its breeding grounds—an adventure that promises to be both challenging and rewarding.
Although I am currently captivated by the rich biodiversity of the Old World, I hope to venture to South America in the coming years, finally exploring the fascinating wildlife and ecosystems of that continent.
5. Favourite Bird Family
I am deeply intrigued by intelligent species, particularly corvids, with Ravens being at the top of the list. However, my favorite bird family is the pittas. These ground-dwelling jungle jewels captivate me like no other. Sometimes, you need to put in a lot of effort, but then, out of nowhere, these incredibly bright-colored angels appear for a brief moment, making the hard work worthwhile and elevating the excitement for everyone involved.
6. Equipment
I am equipped with Swarovski binoculars and a telescope, ensuring top-notch optics for birding and wildlife observation. For photography, I rely on Olympus gear, with a range of lenses from 8mm to 500mm prime, allowing me to capture everything from expansive landscapes to distant wildlife in stunning detail.
Photo Gallery
