2025-10-17

Students of A.K.J.M. High School, Kanjirappally experienced a refreshing morning close to nature through a bird watching session organized under the Wings of Awareness programme—an initiative of the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation. The programme seeks to nurture curiosity about nature and encourage young learners to explore and appreciate biodiversity through engaging, hands-on field experiences. The project is implementing across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

The session was led by Mr. Sarath Babu, Nature Education Officer at TIES and Ornithology Expert, with the support of Ms. Megha M.M, Communication Officer, TIES. The morning began with an insightful introduction by Mr. Sarath, who spoke about the ethics of bird watching, emphasizing quiet observation, patience, and respect for wildlife. This was followed by an interactive demonstration by Ms. Megha on the CROW (Children's Resources for Ornithology and Wilderness) app, a digital platform developed by TIES that allows users to record bird sightings and contribute valuable data to conservation efforts.

As the group explored the lush greenery surrounding the school campus, the students—already familiar with a few common bird species—were quick to engage with the trainers’ guidance. Their prior knowledge enriched the activity, making identification and discussion more dynamic and participatory. Together, they spotted around 10 to 15 species of birds, including the Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Oriental Magpie Robin, White-browed Wagtail, Purple-rumped Sunbird, and the striking Racket-tailed Drongo. The session soon turned into a lively exchange of observations, as students eagerly shared what they knew while learning to identify new species through calls, colour patterns, and behaviour.

The event also received active support from the school’s teacher coordinators; Ms. Preetha S and Mr. Siju VN whose cooperation and enthusiasm ensured the smooth conduct of the session. Their involvement contributed to creating a collaborative atmosphere of learning and exploration throughout the activity.

The bird watching session at A.K.J.M. High School, Kanjirappally beautifully captured the spirit of the Wings of Awareness programme—encouraging young minds to observe, learn, and discover the wonder that lies in the world just beyond the classroom.