Join us again this summer in the idyllic surroundings of the Učka Ornithological Camp camp and discover the fascinating world of birds!
We invite you to join the Učka Ornithological Camp, which we have been organising for many years in partnership with the Učka Nature Park. The camp will take place from 17 August to 6 September 2026.
Since 2006, we have been carrying out bird ringing at Rovozna Pond within Učka Nature Park during the autumn bird migration season. In autumn, birds migrate 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 several weeks between 17 August and 6 September to expand your knowledge of birds, deepen your love for nature, and enjoy the atmosphere of life around the campfire. You can apply by filling out the [registration form here]. Applications are open until 20 July, although submitting an application does not guarantee a place. As the number of places is limited, you will receive confirmation of your place, or information about the waiting list, by 24 July.
No previous knowledge or experience is required to take part in the camp. All you need is enthusiasm, a willingness to work, learn and collaborate, and a commitment to following the camp rules and the bird-handling protocols. In return, the camp offers a relaxing stay in nature, the opportunity to meet enthusiastic participants from Croatia and abroad, and to learn more about birds, their habitats, and the rich diversity of plants and wildlife found in Učka Nature Park.
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 organising 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 – “Knowledge Pot” (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 Knowledge Pot session, let us know in the registration form.
HOW TO GET TO THE CAMP?
You can find the camp location here : Google Maps
Arrival at the camp is possible on Fridays and Saturdays, while departures are on Saturdays and Sundays, between 17 August and 6 September (the full schedule is available in the application form). To help us plan the camp schedule, it is important that we know your exact arrival date, time and location in advance. We therefore kindly ask you to provide this information in the application form. Please also bear in mind that internet access and mobile phone reception at the camp are very limited. If your plans change, we would appreciate it if you could let us know as early as possible.
ARRIVING BY CAR
You are welcome to arrive on Fridays or Saturdays at any time during the day and stay either for the weekend or for the entire week.
To reach the camp, first drive uphill to the village of Sveta Jelena. → In the village, turn onto Cycle Route No. 8, near the Slamnjaki tavern. → Once on Cycle Route No. 8, take the first right, then the first left, and at the third junction continue straight ahead. (At this point, Cycle Route No. 8 branches sharply to the righ t— do not follow it.) → The road eventually becomes a gravel track, so please drive carefully and at a reduced speed. The gravel section is approximately 3.5 km long. → The camp is clearly visible from the road, and parking is available directly in front of the campsite.
ARRIVING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
If you are travelling by public transport, we can collect you by car from Sveta Jelena or Mošćenička Draga on Fridays and Saturdays during our daily break (11:30–15:30). Likewise, on Saturdays and Sundays, we can drive participants from the camp to the nearest bus stop during the same time period.
If you would prefer to walk to the camp, we recommend taking a bus to Sveta Jelena and then following the driving directions above. The walk from the village to the camp is approximately 4 km.
Please complete the application form via the link here by the end of 20 July. Please note that places at the camp are limited.
For questions, contact us at volonteri@biom.hr.
See you on Učka!
