Peter Kleinhenz is based in Aiken, South Carolina, where he works full-time as the Executive Director of the Aiken Land Conservancy, an accredited land trust dedicated to protecting the habitats of the very birds he seeks in his free time. His position offers him a unique perspective on regional habitats, species, and conservation opportunities—while also allowing him to indulge his passion for natural history on an almost daily basis.
Originally from Ohio, Peter has lived in seven states and even spent six months in Tasmania. His first love was reptiles and amphibians, but in 2012 he spotted his spark bird—a Black-and-white Warbler—which set him on the path to serious birding. His first ornithology class at Miami University, where he studied zoology and media production, deepened that interest. He later revisited ornithology in graduate school at Southern Oregon University, where he studied environmental education.
Peter’s love of birding has taken him and his wife (who also works in bird conservation) around the world, though he especially enjoys exploring new counties across the United States. He prefers birding off the beaten path and delights in discovering other fascinating animals and plants along the way. He takes pride in truly knowing a place—its natural history, culture, and stories.
With Peter as your guide, you never know what you’ll see or learn.
