Perfect hosts in a birding paradise

Serbia, like most of eastern Europe, is a bird rich country. Coming from a bird depleted U.K. it is always a great pleasure to walk in the Serbian countryside to see and hear birds in numbers. Some exciting species too.

I had a great experience at Balkan Bird Bokeh and took many pictures and video of species now hard to find in the U.K. Filip and his family took good care of me. When I mentioned there was a bit too much clutter on one of the beaches I was photographing on, they turned up with rakes and brooms and cleaned it up completely. Dedication indeed!

Mike’s video:

Non-stop bird traffic and a full day of action

I spent a great day in the photo hides in Vršac. 

The great thing is that both hides are close to each other, which makes it possible to combine them. On the “woodpecker hide” you can take portraits and close-ups as the birds are very close, while the “water hole” allows more framing opportunities. Both hides are very active – different types of birds come literally without a break so you won’t get bored! 

I can’t wait to visit other photo hides!

Perfect light and birds behaving completely naturally.

I spent four hours in the bird photography hide starting at 6am, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The setup includes two separate areas — one optimized for woodpeckers and the other positioned by a watering hole — each thoughtfully constructed to offer great angles, natural perches, and excellent lighting conditions during the early hours. 

During my session, I was able to photograph a wide variety of species, including woodpeckers, finches, and several other passerines that visited the watering hole regularly. The hide was comfortable, well-camouflaged, and positioned at ideal distances for photography with a telephoto lens. Most importantly, the birds behaved naturally and frequently, indicating that the area is carefully managed and minimally disruptive to wildlife.

Highly recommended for any bird photographer visiting Serbia — whether you’re looking to capture striking woodpecker behavior or diverse activity around a forest watering hole, this hide delivers.

Several full memory cards and an even fuller heart.

Visiting these bird photography blinds was nothing short of magical. Nestled in a serene, natural setting in the mountains near Vršac, the blinds offered an intimate window into the daily lives of seed-eating birds, from vibrant finches to lively tits and other colorful birds. The setup was thoughtfully designed, providing excellent light, comfortable seating, and perfect angles for photography — whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic beginner.

What made the experience truly unforgettable was the sheer abundance and variety of bird species that came within close range. I captured stunning, frame-filling shots of birds in natural poses and behaviors, all against beautiful, uncluttered backgrounds. The silence of the hide, broken only by the flutter of wings and the soft chirping of birds, made me feel completely immersed in nature.

This was more than just a photo opportunity — it was a peaceful, deeply rewarding experience that reconnected me with the quiet beauty of the wild. I left with several full memory cards and an even fuller heart. I can’t recommend this experience highly enough to any nature lover or wildlife photographer. Serbia is a hidden gem for bird photography, and these blinds are true treasures! 

Many photographs I took can be found on www.timeprints.com.

A complete reset in nature.

“I have been doing photography for years, but this was my first experience photographing birds—if we don’t count the occasional seagull, pigeon, or crow seen in cities.

And I loved it—not just the photography itself, which was exciting and engaging, like a camera hunt, but also the camaraderie with fellow photographers. It was a true reset in nature.

Our host welcomed us with a thermos of hot tea and burek, so we were energized with a hearty breakfast and ready to silently begin our ‘hunt.’ The real thrill came later, reviewing the photos and counting how many different bird species we had captured.

An unforgettable experience that I will definitely repeat!”*

Seven birds in one frame! And four different species!

“When my friend Dragana invited me to join her in Vrsac for a bird photography session from specially designed hides, I didn’t hesitate—I immediately agreed.

I hadn’t realized we would actually be inside hides, concealed not just from the birds but also from the ever-present winds of this region. We were welcomed with a warm breakfast and blankets, which, in this winter season, were even more valuable than the food.

The three of us quickly got into position, cameras ready, and soon the shooting began—thankfully, with no casualties among the rich birdlife that was within reach of our modest optics.

For your information—I captured seven birds from four different species in a single frame!

I can’t wait for the next call to try out the remaining two hides at different locations. A huge thanks to everyone who made this experience possible.

And of course, I highly recommend this to other photographers looking for an exciting and fulfilling day outdoors!”