WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY - Photographing a Capercaillie

Take a look and decide to take a picture of a Capercaillie. Recording and photographing are done in an observation post or in a lying position near the observatory. We are at your disposal for all inquiries.
1) MAXI - Educational program about the life of capercaillie, with a walk along the educational trail of about 300 m of fenced natural environment for 45 minutes. Photography is allowed provided the birds are not disturbed and the center's rules are followed. Price for groups: 20.00 € / person. Minimum 10 people in a package.
2) PROFI - Professional photography that allows 5,200 m2 of natural environment inside the aviary, guaranteed silence, peace with the photo hunt leader, which is available only to you 365 days a year. Professional photography is done in various combinations of lying, standing, sitting (in the observation room) position and walking. The price for 60 minutes of professional photography is € 335.00, and the pro package includes a maximum of 5 people at a time. Each additional person pays 55.00 € / 60 min.

You can get all the information at the following e-mail:

ivica.kriz7@gmail.com
You will receive a response within 24 hours.

Central European Growing Centre for Capercaillie

In the broad forests of the western Dinarides, there are still individual habitats of Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus).

In this closed forest complex of fir, beech and spruce forests, the Capercaillie aviary was set up in Gorski Kotor, Croatia.

It was built in 2019, measuring 72 X 72 m in height, and varies in height from 5 to 8 m, since the indigenous birds are located in the aviary.

The great aviary of the Capercaillie preserves it from the predator. Within the great aviary is the indigenous natural environment of Capercaillie. In the middle is a shelter for Capercaillie. There are 5 to 10 males and females of Capercaillie in the aviaries. Their nutrition and health status is constantly monitored by experts from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb.

This aviary is the only Central European education centre for Capercaillie in this part of Europe.

It lies on the south side of the forest slope, so much of the day is full of light. An asphalt forest road leads to an aviary.

Photo conditions

When arriving for photo sessions, the guest is obliged to follow the instructions of the guide. We especially emphasize that during wildlife photography, smoking, noise and harassment of Capercaillie and game are prohibited. Arriving at the location of the photographing is arranged on-site with a guide.

Capercaillie

Find all the information on this exceptional bird species.

The capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) is a strictly protected species of mountain bird from the Ice Age. It has been strictly protected in the Republic of Croatia since 2005 and is listed in the Red Bird Book of Croatia. Out of 177 registered singers in the Republic of Croatia, only ten are active today. We are the only photo-tour in Croatia on capercaillie. The wedding singing starts at 15.03. and lasts until June, when the chicks start to hatch. The grouse stays with the chicks until September when the males separate from the females. The male capercaillie can weigh up to 5 kg and is clumsy in flight. The female weighs up to 2.5 kg and is black-brown in colour. They feed on conifers, hazel, beech, ants, blueberries, raspberries, and a variety of seeds. They have a lifespan of up to 15 years.

Wildlife photography - photograpyCapercaillie

In addition to breeding and tracking Capercaillie, aviaries aim to show this mysterious and timid species to bird lovers. From the observatory, these birds can be photographed or recorded at any time. They are photographed from the observation line in a horizontal line. Birds are more active in the spring months (March, April) and autumn (October). The birds gladly remain in the shelter under spruce and deciduous trees near the observatory. They often come into an open space where there are enough light and good photography conditions. In front of the observatory on the north side, branches of hazelnuts, pine trees and fruits of various kinds can be placed to allow birds to reach a more convenient location for photography. Recording in the supine position is also possible. At the same time, you get even better photos and cadres.

Location: The village of Prezid (5 km) is located near the Slovenian-Croatian border.

Access: From Rijeka (80 km), Ljubljana (85 km), Trieste (110 km) and Zagreb (160 km).

We also organize accommodation with food in the immediate vicinity (Tršće), NP Risnjak Crni lug.

Other attractions nearby:

NP Risnjak
- Contact: np-risnjak@ri.t-com.hr

Horseback riding in the neighbouring town of Tršće - - link

In the town of Prezid are the remains of the Roman wall of Limes that separated west of the eastern Roman Empire in the 4th century.

Places of Interest Nearby:

Risnjak National Park, Island of Krk, Notranjska Regional Park (Lake Cerknica, Križna jama Cave), Snežnik, Postal Cave, Kočevsko, Kupa River.

Payment details

Tetrijeb Animal Protection Association
Goranska 148, 51307 Prezid, CROATIA
IBAN: HR2924080021100040916
SWIFT (BIC): PAZGHR2X
Partner Bank d.d. | Call number: 00 29-10-1974
Description: Donation to Tetrijeb Association