Join us again this summer to relax in nature and get to know birds more closely during their autumn migration at the Učka Ornithological Camp!
We invite you to the bird ringing camp on Učka, which we have been organizing for many years in cooperation with the Učka Nature Park Public Institution. The camp will run from August 18 to September 7, 2025.
Since 2006, we have been conducting bird ringing near the Rovozna pond within Učka Nature Park during the autumn bird migration. Birds migrate in autumn to areas where they can find enough food during winter, and return in spring to nest. During migration, they often follow the coastline, and Učka, as a coastal mountain, with its forests, meadows, and pond, provides an important resting place on their long and dangerous journey.
The mission of this camp is to study bird migration, assess the importance of local habitats for their rest during migration, and identify the local bird species composition.
Our licensed bird ringers set up mist nets near the pond and, for each captured bird, measure it, determine the species, sex, and age, and place a ring on its leg. Birds are released as quickly as possible, with their safety being our top priority.
Join us for a few days or weeks between August 18 and September 7 and deepen your knowledge of birds and your love for nature by the warmth of a campfire.
You can apply by filling out the [registration form here]. Applications are open until July 15, but submitting the form does not guarantee a spot. The number of participants is limited, and you will receive confirmation or waiting list status by July 18.
No prior knowledge or experience is needed to participate in the camp—just goodwill, willingness to work, cooperate and learn, and respect for the camp rules and the ethical handling of birds.
In return, the camp offers you a relaxing stay in nature, a friendly atmosphere filled with enthusiastic local and international participants, and knowledge about birds, their habitats, and other animal and plant species of Učka.
In recent years, we have dedicated one week of the camp to families with children to encourage the engagement of our youngest nature lovers. This year, we expect more families with children during the week September 1–7, so if you prefer a quieter environment, we suggest joining us in one of the other weeks.
BASIC INFO ABOUT THE CAMP
The camp is held in a beautiful protected area, offering many opportunities for exploring flora and fauna, hiking trails, swimming in nearby coastal towns of Istria, watching romantic sunrises, and multicultural learning with our international participants and volunteers.
However, it’s important to note that the camp is quite rustic, so please consider whether the living conditions suit you.
Your support – The camp is not solely focused on the scientific method of bird ringing but also on providing educational activities for all participants and the wider public.
Alongside direct insights into the bird ringing process, participants also take part in various educational activities. Through this, Biom aims to provide time and space for learning about birds, nature, and conservation to as many people as possible.
This includes covering the basic costs of organizing and running the camp.
To cover the costs of the camp, such as drinking water, food, waste collection, etc., we ask for financial support:
- €20/day for participants from Croatia
- €15/day for Biom members
- €10/day for children, students, and retirees
- For Croatian participants staying more than 3 days: €10/day
- For international participants: €30/day, or €20/day if staying longer than 3 days.
If finances are a barrier, please contact us at volonteri@biom.hr – we don’t want financial constraints to prevent anyone from joining.
ACCOMMODATION & LIVING
- Sleeping in tents – Bring your own tent, sleeping bag, and mat. A limited number of these can be borrowed—please indicate in the registration form.
- Communal cooking – We buy food every few days and often cook on a campfire. Participants help with meal planning, cooking, collecting, and chopping firewood. Due to the lack of refrigeration, meals are mostly vegetarian.
- Drinking water – Limited supply from a plastic tank (used for drinking only); rainwater is used for everything else. Use water sparingly.
- Outdoor shower – Available every third day depending on weather and water supply. We sometimes visit nearby beaches with showers.
- Natural toilet – A designated meadow spot with a spade and DIY wooden chair.
- Electricity from solar panels – Limited, only for charging phones/cameras.
- Weak signal – Phone/internet coverage is poor; sometimes it disappears entirely. To make calls, you might need to walk uphill.
Everyone is welcome – Regardless of age, experience, or interests, everyone can contribute in their own way. Pets are allowed but must be kept leashed as they may pose a threat to captured birds.
DAILY SCHEDULE
- 5:00–11:30 – Net setup and checks every 45 min
- 7:00–8:00 – Breakfast
- 11:30–16:00 – Midday break
- 16:00–21:00 – Afternoon net checks every 45 min
- 16:15–17:00 – “Pot of Knowledge” (educational session)
- 19:30–20:30 – Dinner
- 21:00 onward – Socializing around the campfire
During the break, nets are taken down, and the time is used for lunch, reading, games, hiking, swimming, or resting.
You’re welcome to bring books, games, sports gear, or anything that relaxes you.
We also encourage you to share your own knowledge—if you’d like to lead a Pot of Knowledge session, let us know in the registration form.
HOW TO GET TO THE CAMP?
You can find the camp location on the [map here].
Arrivals: Fridays and Saturdays
Departures: Saturdays and Sundays
(Aug 18 – Sept 7). See the schedule in the registration form.
Please inform us of your exact arrival place and time in advance via the form.
ARRIVING BY CAR
- Drive uphill to Sveta Jelena
- Turn onto bike trail no. 8 near Konoba Slamnjaki
- First turn: right → second: left → third: go straight (do not follow the sharp right curve of the trail here)
- A dirt road begins; drive slowly (approx. 3.5 km)
- The camp is visible from the road with parking available nearby.
ARRIVING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
We can pick you up from Sveta Jelena or Mošćenička Draga on Fridays or Saturdays between 11:30–15:30.
For departures, we can drop you off on Saturdays or Sundays in the same time window.
If you want to hike to the camp, take a bus to Sveta Jelena and follow the driving directions above (approx. 4 km walk).
Register via the application form by July 15 (end of day).
Note that places are limited.
For questions, contact us at volonteri@biom.hr.
See you on Učka!
