2026-10-23

"I have always had a personal interest in birdwatching, and seeing this firsthand makes me eager to start uploading bird sightings and details directly onto the CROW app myself," shared teacher Rajesh Kadamanchira, highlighting how the field experience inspired educators and students alike to become active digital conservationists.

This engaging field expedition took place across the lush rubber plantation areas surrounding BMM English Medium Senior Secondary School, Pampady, organized under "Wings of Awareness"—a joint environmental education and conservation program by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and Buimerc India Foundation.

A group of 26 enthusiastic students ventured into the rich plantation ecosystem to conduct a comprehensive birdwatching and biodiversity survey. Expert ornithologist Sarath Babu led the young participants through the terrain, providing valuable insights into avian behaviours, field identification techniques, and local ecology.

To blend wildlife observation with modern technology, TIES Communication Officer Nissa Mariam conducted an interactive demonstration of the CROW App. Students and teachers received practical training on recording real-time field data digitally, empowering them to log species sightings and actively contribute to regional biodiversity mapping as citizen scientists.

The field survey across the Pampady rubber plantations proved exceptionally rewarding, yielding a remarkable count of 33 bird species. Among these, notable highlights that captured the students' interest included the Ashy Woodswallow and the Plum-headed Parakeet.

The educational expedition was smoothly coordinated with the dedicated support of accompanying teachers Rajesh Kadamanchira, Sajila S, and Lince P J. By bridging classroom learning with direct exposure to rich natural habitats, the program successfully inspired a deeper appreciation for local biodiversity and environmental stewardship among all participants.