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Workshop # 2/27
Hunting Osprey
Wildlife Photo Workshop - 17-23 April 2027 - Masuria
fully booked
Ospreys are extremely rare breeding birds in Poland. According to the latest data from the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds from 2022, only 40 breeding pairs were found. One of the largest concentrations of ospreys is in north-eastern Poland, where about half of the population lives. A large part of this area is Masuria, a beautiful land of forests and lakes.
A pair of ospreys nests by one of these lakes, about 1.5 km away. Birds arrive at the turn of March and April from their wintering places in Africa, between 23.03 and 6.04.
After returning, they renovate the nest, breed, and then lay eggs. After about 38 days, the chicks hatch. From now on, a busy period begins for the male, who must provide food for the entire family. It gives you a chance to have unforgettable experiences from April to the end of July or even the beginning of August. Osprey hunt is one of the most extraordinary spectacles nature offers. First, the bird locates the fish, circulates, preparing the attack, and then dives at high speed, frequently exceeding 100 km/h.
The photo workshop also allows you to photograph other species of birds and animals from six to seven hides located near each other. You will also learn interesting facts about the life of the osprey.
When you are in the Piska Forest, you are in the very heart of nature, and its wealth is at your fingertips.
Photographing ospreys in April gives a chance to catch the beautiful reflections on the water of diving osprey, as the water plants and flowers are still down below the surface.
There is also a high chance of catching the lesser spotted eagles, both male and female, before their nesting period, which starts at the beginning of May.
April is also the best time to photograph lesser spotted eagles and marsh harriers before they start their nesting duties.
Benefits for the participants:
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Multiple hides are available, allowing participants to photograph a wide range of species, including at night. All hides are included in the workshop price.
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Flexible daily schedule - you choose your focus, while we offer suggestions based on current bird and animal activity.
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Pure nature - the place is located in a small settlement near the forest and lake, so you see much more wildlife than people.
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Accommodation in a climatic XIX-century Forester lodge - you find a family atmosphere, care, and nature all around the place.
Timing: 17-23 April 2027 (5 full days of photographing, 6 nights)
Maximum number of photographers: 4 - fully booked
Main species to photograph:
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osprey
Other species:
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Lesser spotted eagle
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Marsh harrier
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Badger
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Raccoon dog
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Marten
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Water rail
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Common crane
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Great crested grebe
Hides: 4-6 stationary hides in Masuria (including 3 hides for night photography)
Accommodation: Forester's Lodge - single/double rooms
Costs:
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3 - 4 photographers: 1400 € per person (double room)
Limited possibility for a single room: +50 € (single payment) - request it during the booking.
Cost includes:
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All hides including night photography
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Transport to the hide and back (1-2 hides may require a short transfer)
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Accommodation in single/double rooms at a local forester's lodge
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Meals during the workshop (breakfast, dinner)
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Daily guiding – organisation, osprey photography advice, coordination, translation, and support
Please let me know if you need help organising a transfer from Warsaw airport to the place.
If you have questions or would like more details, please fill out the contact form at the end of this section.
Photo hides
All hides are included in the package
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Osprey hide
Hide located at the edge of the lake. Hunting place for a local osprey. There is also a possibility to photograph other birds living around the lake.
Possibility to photograph:
osprey, great crested grebes, grey herons, mallards, coots, golden eyes, gulls, mute swans
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Meadow hide
Hide located in a meadow near the lake.
Possibility to photograph:
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during the day:
lesser spotted eagle, marsh harrier, crane, buzzard, woodpeckers, and a variety of small birds.
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during the night:
badgers
Forest hide 1 (day and night photography)
Hide located in the forest at a small clearing around 7 km away from the rest of the hides.
Possibility to photograph:
badger, raccoon dog, fox, buzzard, and a variety of small birds including bullfinch, crested tit, crossbill and many others.
Forest hide 2 (night photography)
Hide located in the forest near the lake, dedicated to night photography.
Possibility to photograph: marten
Reed bed
Hide located in a reed bed inside the forest. This is a lake created by beavers.
Possibility to photograph:
water rails
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Cranes hide (optional)
Hide located in a meadow, at the edge of the forest. Feeding place of a local pair of cranes.
Possibility to photograph:
cranes
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What participants say:
"I was really impressed, it works well due to the dedication and organisation from the team. I would highly recommend the Osprey workshop for hobbyist and freelance wildlife photographers. The communication and organisation from start to finish was clear and informative. The hides were as comfortable as hides can be and with honest recommendations they were active! Accommodation was comfortable and clean with an abundance of food during breakfast and dinners times. I would like to thank Krzysztof for his incredible dedication to the Osprey project, Ewa for her hospitality and Robert for his organisation of the workshop, great team effort! Last but not least, thank you Mr Osprey."
Matt, England
"The photography workshop in Masuria was outstanding. The organization was perfect, and the accommodation and food were excellent. The lecture about the ospreys was fascinating, and I learned a lot . I highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in nature and wildlife photography. It was an unforgettable experience, and I would gladly participate again."
Steffen, Germany
"I had a fantastic experience at the workshop. The organisation was excellent, and the balance between technical insights and practical field experience was spot on. It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow wildlife enthusiasts and refine my skills, especially regarding field craft and capturing dynamic behaviour. I walked away highly motivated and with great results—the workshop absolutely met my expectations. The organisation was absolutely flawless. In terms of the wildlife experience, it was a resounding success that far exceeded my expectations. I finally managed to photograph the Osprey, Badger, Pine Marten, and the elusive Water Rail—four species I had been trying tocapture for years! I can highly recommend this workshop to anyone who loves nature and wildlife photography."
Arne, Germany
"I am finishing the workshop with a very satisfied feeling. Many opportunities of hunting osprey diving for the meal. Good organization. I have great shots of the ospreys! The food was very good."
Rene, Netherlands
"It was a good workshop. The organisation was good and there were a lot of places to see the wildlife but you have to be also lucky.I will tell my friends about this workshop."
Martin, Netherlands
"It was a very good experience in Masuria. Robert prepared and organized the workshop extremely well. With his friendly and competent manner, he explained the schedule well and also accommodated participants' requests. Kristof and Ewa also made us feel very well looked after and cared for. Robert's workshop is highly recommended for photographing ospreys in exciting poses. There's probably no better place for it in Central Europe.Many thanks to Robert and his "team"."
Matthias, Germany
"The workshop was great. I was there at the beginning of August and the osprey used to come very, very often. The organisation was perfect. The whole week was well organized. Robert and Christoph always adopted plans quickly when the osprey changed his behaviour. Robert also responded to all wishes. I was also successful with the night photography with the marten. A 100 point workshop, thanks for everything, and my coffee."
Katrin, Germany
"I really appreciated the opportunities during the workshop! Especially your efforts to make us all feel comfortable and give us good opportunities to take photos. Your explanations about wildlife were also very interesting.The food was very good and varied!The organization of the workshop was excellent. I particularly appreciated the flexibility (although the success of the sessions without ospreys was limited). The opportunities to photograph ospreys hunting are fantastic!"
Manfred, Austria
"“Impeccable” is the first word that comes to mind. I really appreciated Robert’s way of describing animal behavior in general and in detail. The hides are well positioned and offer plenty of opportunities for photography. Robert’s advice for taking pictures was very welcome, as were his alerts to signal the arrival of the osprey. Having to walk to the house or the hides was beneficial for the legs and helped immerse us in the surrounding nature. It’s never very far. It’s true that the waiting times can be long, but what an adrenaline rush when the bird appears… Not to mention the stress of not missing the shots!Overall comfort gets a “very good” rating! The food was excellent and varied. The bedding and bathroom facilities were perfect."
Jean-Louis, Belgium
"The osprey is not an easy subject to photograph but thanks to wise advice of Robert our guide, I quickly mastered the method of shooting such a fast subject ! Robert is always available and very competent, his knowledge of the osprey is impressive. I will definitely be back for another osprey workshop!I highly recommend this osprey workshop."
Albert, Belgium
"“Impeccable” is the first word that comes to mind. I really appreciated Robert’s way of describing animal behavior in general and in detail. The hides are well positioned and offer plenty of opportunities for photography. Robert’s advice for taking pictures was very welcome, as were his alerts to signal the arrival of the osprey. Having to walk to the house or the hides was beneficial for the legs and helped immerse us in the surrounding nature. It’s never very far. It’s true that the waiting times can be long, but what an adrenaline rush when the bird appears… Not to mention the stress of not missing the shots!Overall comfort gets a “very good” rating! The food was excellent and varied. The bedding and bathroom facilities were perfect."
Jean-Louis, Belgium
"I felt very comfortable and it was like being with the family. We had a plan for each day but Robert was always open for special requests or alternative proposals. The experience was very good even if we have to take into account that the animals may not always show up as we expect."
Faruk, Germany
"The workshop was very interesting, and I have a positive feeling about it. The natural surrounding is very beautiful, and everything was well organized. The hides were easy to reach. We were very well accommodated; we felt very comfortable in the forester's lodge. Special praise goes to Christoph and Eva; they were "GREAT." Eva took care of our culinary needs. Next time, we'll need two appointments: one for photography and a second to stay and eat with Eva. In terms of the organization everything worked out perfectly.It certainly won't be the last time; we're already planning new appointments."
Peter, Germany
"In the beginning I had some communication problems due to understanding English language. Later you had it very well under control and made sure that everyone understood everything. The organisation is on the level that can't be improved much."
Robert, Germany
"Great experience. Perfect location with several opportunities within walking distance and night-photography possibilities close by.Very well organized. Lots of relevant and detailed information before the workshop, including last minute weather reports, which enabled us to pack proper clothes for different temperatures.
Many possibilities with respect to different interests, as you could encounter eagles, storks, cranes, cuckoos, ospreys, harriers, badgers, racoon dogs. With a little more luck we would have experienced the hoopoe as well.
You don’t often find so many options within a small area as here.
I would for sure recommend the workshop. The area is beautiful."
Jens, Denmark
"I spent an excellent week in the company of Robert, my travelling companion and our Polish hosts Eva and Christophe. This was my first visit to Poland and its wildlife, and I'm sure it won't be my last.Top-quality trip organisation. Prior to arrival, Robert sent several emails detailing the logistics (weather, equipment requirements, meeting point, etc.). This was extremely reassuring.
The venue for the course is magnificent and peaceful. Perfect for observing the local wildlife. For me, it was the first time I'd seen a lot of birds (cuckoo, grey crane, woodpecker, raccoon, badger, etc.) but I also had some great sightings of osprey and storks. In other words, this is a trip that I highly recommend for nature photographers."
Sophie, France
"I spent a wonderful week with beautiful nature and amazing people. The results were many great photos. Everything worked. All hides are within reach of a few minutes walking."
Olaf, Germany
"The trip was 100 % positive. I experienced a very friendly, family atmosphere. I loved the time when we were eating meals together. Organization – perfect, service – perfect, food – perfect, accommodation – very good, information, daily guiding, preparation of the hides – perfect.
Osprey was the main reason I decided to participate in the trip however, there were many opportunities to photograph other animal species."
Enrico, Germany
"Considering the effort to get here and not knowing what was coming on my way, it was all worth it.
I was able to take beautiful photos.
The organizer was experienced and had things under control. All were friendly and flexible. A good addition was a presentation about some facts from the life of an ospreys. Accommodation was very good with a friendly atmosphere. There was plenty of tasty food."
Gerjan, Netherlands
"Awesome! I loved every second of the trip.
Communication beforehand enabled me to come well-prepared for the existing weather and terrain conditions.
I got more than I expected in terms of wildlife photographing opportunities.
The local guide is very knowledgeable and passionate about the animals – especially ospreys. You can feel it.
Those few days were a good time to be here and enjoy Polish hospitality. The food was fantastic."
Phillipp, Germany
"I felt always very well during the trip. The area is simply beautiful and the nature is impressive.
The organization was very good. The length of the trip is just correct. It is always good to stay longer but 5 days of photographing was enough. The flexibility during the trip is always a value – the wishes or needs of the participants were always well recognized. It was very cool to get some extra and special information from Christoph about the life of the osprey. The accommodation was very good and friendly.
I loved the food. 😊"
Florian, Germany
"We had a great tour together.
We saw everything we hoped for. Robert is adorable and extremely friendly. He takes care of everything. We got on really well with him and Krzysztof and had many conversations about nature, photography, and Poland in general. The food in the accommodation is very good, the rooms are quiet. Nevertheless always gladly again!
Thank you, Robert!"
Joe, Germany