Since childhood Marc Van de walle is passionate about nature, landscape and ecology. Over the years he’s discovering the natural world and studies the ecology of birds and mammals. After the college years he first happily and successfully manages a health food store during 12 years until, in 2002, he has the possibility to work for INBO. He becomes a member of the “seabird team” where he has a supportive role, in field work and in administration, in many different projects. In the capacity of technician he is collecting raw field data and complements the data bases. A lot of experience was gained in gull and tern colonies both domestic and abroad. Notably condition measurements and ringing are anually recurring activities. Expertise was also gained in inventorizing breeding birds, not only in coastal habitats but also inland. Desk work activities are various too, with the processing of the ring readings of gulls being one of the more important.