Hungary Ultimate Bird Photography

Trip Details

Photograph the Wild from Legendary Hides in Southern Hungary

Join Brutus Östling in southern Hungary to photograph from the world-renowned hides developed by Bence Máté in and around the Kiskunsági National Park. Brutus was the first international photographer to visit Bence back in June 2006. They travelled together through southern Hungary in an old Soviet-era Lada, setting up tent hides and photographing from Bence’s first five permanent hides. At the time, Bence was just 20 or 21 years old — yet had already won prestigious national and international awards. He spoke of renovating an old house he had bought (which looked more like a ruin at the time), and turning it into a base where photographers from Hungary and across Europe could come. Today, Bence Máté is a globally recognized name among nature photographers.

Photographers from every continent now visit his complex of over 20 carefully engineered hides — all designed to offer extraordinary opportunities for unique, close-up wildlife images.

The Location & Legacy

Bence’s base and hide system are located just outside the village of Pusztaszer, not far from Hungary’s southern border with Serbia. It’s easily reached: the main highway from the airport passes just a few kilometers away, and the drive is about 90 minutes. Brutus has been bringing photographers from Sweden and neighboring countries to Hungary for over 14 years. In that time, the number and quality of hides have grown substantially — as has the diversity of species that visit them. The accommodation has also recently been expanded, and during the pandemic, new hides were added. With so many photographic possibilities, it’s impossible to cover them all in a single week. That’s why many photographers return — some every year. Seasonal variation also adds to the diversity of what you can capture.

Hides Like No Other

These hides are unlike anything else. They are creative, highly engineered tools designed to allow photographers to capture intimate images of birds and animals that would otherwise be impossible to approach. Many nature photographers have used hides before — but here, the phrase “taken to the next level” genuinely applies.

From the legendary hide known as “The Theatre”, we photograph Grey Herons, Great and Little Egrets, and Black-crowned Night Herons — often joined by Spoonbills. In early spring, we also photograph diving ducks like Red-crested Pochard and Garganey. The elusive Black Stork is typically still around through early May.

We shoot across the water surface while sitting in comfortable rotating chairs, positioned below water level. The camera tripods are mounted on sliders for smooth panning as birds fly past. Another remarkable hide, “The Cinema”, is built similarly — also submerged — and frequently offers close encounters with European Otters, especially at night, when fixed lighting is used. Night Herons are also active during this time, and in the soft morning light, species like Bittern and Little Bittern may appear in the reeds. Squacco Heron, Grey Heron, and Great Egret are regulars here too.

A new specialty hide has been built specifically for Common Kingfishers — a jewel of a bird, and a favorite among bird photographers.

Comfortable Conditions, Intense Action

Spring temperatures are generally pleasant — around 11–12°C on cooler days, reaching up to 25°C by midday. Nights are cool, perfect for sleeping well between early starts.

At Bence’s drinking station hides, we also sit below the waterline, capturing birds that come to drink or bathe. These moments often bring intense action, and burst modes of 10–20 frames per second are ideal for capturing dynamic scenes. The drinking stations are located in forest settings, attracting a wide variety of woodland birds — many familiar to Northern European photographers — and also birds of prey such as Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, and Goshawk.

While birds are the main focus, mammals such as Red Foxes, Roe Deer, and of course Otters often appear and offer fantastic photographic opportunities.

Optical Engineering & Fieldcraft

Bence spent years developing the special low-reflection glass used in the hides. From the darkened interior, the glass acts like a one-way mirror — allowing photographers to shoot undisturbed even at steep angles of up to 45 degrees or more. You can change lenses without being seen, and subjects behave naturally just a few meters away.
Dark clothing is required, ideally black. Long sleeves are recommended, especially when shooting into backlight, where reflections can make you more visible.

Beaters, Ground Squirrels, and Bee-eaters

When Brutus first visited, there were 6–7 European Bee-eater nests on the farm. But 6–7 years ago, Bence relocated over 100 European Sousliks (ground squirrels) from Budapest Airport — where their presence was attracting raptors and interfering with air traffic. He wasn’t sure it would work, but today there are over 1,000 of these charismatic animals on site. Two hides have been specially built for photographing or filming them.

The downside to the Souslik relocation was that the bee-eaters moved away from the immediate area. For a few years, they were difficult to photograph. But a new site has since been found near a riding school, just 30 minutes away, and it’s likely Hungary’s largest bee-eater colony, with perhaps 100+ nesting pairs. Action starts in late April and peaks in May. These stunning birds are exceptional aerial hunters — easily catching over a hundred insects a day, from dragonflies and butterflies to bees and wasps.

A Week of Images You’ll Never Forget

This photo tour will leave you with thousands of images — more than you’ll have time to edit during the trip itself. We’ll review some shots together on-site, but much of the post-processing will likely happen after you return. These are intense, immersive days, and you’ll need your sleep.

Dinners are shared outdoors in the evenings after nightfall. Breakfast and coffee are self-served in the kitchen before heading to the hides, with different wake-up times depending on the location. Lunch is prepared by Andrea, who also handles administration. Her homemade food is excellent.
Coco, Fanni, and Csaba are our local guides. They’ll take you to the hides and pick you up on schedule — or at a custom time if you text or call. If a Goshawk or Buzzard is perched just outside the hide glass, you’ll appreciate that flexibility.

Do I Need Spending Money?

Almost none. Over the years, very few participants have had the time or need to spend anything outside the farm. Everything you need is here.

This is more than a photo tour.
It’s a high-performance bird photography experience for those who demand excellence.