The open day of the Ornithological Camp Učka 2023 will be held on Thursday, August 31. That day, the camp will be open to visitors from 9am until 12pm, and from 4pm until 7pm, during bird ringing periods.

All curious visitors will have a chance to get to know bird species, as well as other animals that live in the area, under the guidance of experts, learn more about the area’s biodiversity, see how bird ringing is done, and find out why ringing is important.

This year, Učka Ornithological Camp will be held from August 14 until September 3 near the Rovozna pond, in the protected area of Učka Nature Park, on the eastern slope of Učka, above the municipalities of Mošćenička Draga and Sveta Jelena. The camp is organised by the Association Biom in collaboration with Učka Nature Park.

Bird ringing has been a part of the camp’s activities since 2006, from mid-August to mid-September, during the autumn migration of birds. In autumn, birds begin moving to areas where they are able to find enough food in winter, only to return in spring at the start of the nesting season. They often travel along the coast, which makes the coastal mountain of Učka, with its forests and meadows, and its pond, an important resting place on their long and arduous journey.

The mission of the Ornithological Camp Učka is to study bird migrations, assess the importance of the local habitat for their rest during migration, and determine the local composition of bird species. The camp also has an educational function as workshops are organised every day to enable camp volunteers to learn more about various topics related to nature, its protection, and its preservation.

“For a number of years, the camp has been a point of convergence for bird and nature lovers who come here to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, learn something new, and pay closer attention to nature in a way that they can’t during their everyday fast-paced lifestyle. For some, the camp has already become a tradition, a place to gather, study and share experiences”, Tea Dorogi from the Association Biom says.

The open day of the ornithological camp is an excellent opportunity to get to know bird species that live on the Učka mountain, as well as those that travel alongside it during their migration. Welcome!

Route: https://goo.gl/maps/gBFEUNTspwJ5EYox5