2026-02-25

The fifth and final batch of top-performing students under the Wings of Awareness initiative participated in their advanced bird-watching field immersion at the serene Kadapoor Bird Study Centre. This culminating enrichment experience brought together young naturalists from Amayannoor High School, Government U.P. School, Ericadu, and Government U.P. School, Velluthuruthy, offering them a scientifically guided exploration within the ecologically rich wetland ecosystem of Kadapoor.

Wings of Awareness, an environmental education initiative implemented by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) with the support of the Buimerc India Foundation, is structured as a recognition-based engagement programme. It honours students who have demonstrated consistent excellence in systematic bird observation and accurate digital documentation through the CROW platform. In recognition of their performance, the selected participants were awarded official project T-shirts and caps, symbolising their achievement and commitment to conservation learning.

The session commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Ajaya Kumar M.N., representing TIES, who outlined the objectives, educational framework, and long-term conservation impact envisioned through the project. Members of the Winds Park Society, the managing body of the Kadapoor Bird Study Centre, extended a formal welcome and reaffirmed their support for conservation-oriented academic initiatives.

Before proceeding to the Chingamkarichal trail, Mr. Ajaya Kumar M.N. conducted a comprehensive orientation covering field ethics, observational discipline, habitat sensitivity, and safety protocols. The briefing emphasised scientific rigour in data recording and responsible behaviour within wetland habitats. The session was supported by project interns Surya and Vinodini. Accompanying educators included Anjusha M. Nair and Cinja Paul (Government U.P. School, Ericadu); Renjith Skariah, Goutham Sreekumar, Rejitha, and Ambily (Government U.P. School, Velluthuruthy); and Sreeja Krishnan and Neju Abraham (Amayannoor High School).

The field exploration yielded an impressive documentation of over 48 bird species, predominantly wetland-associated avifauna. Notable sightings included the Painted Stork, Woolly-necked Stork, and Purple Heron. Flocks of Rosy Starlings were recorded alongside vibrant Indian Golden Orioles and the commonly sighted Spotted Dove, reflecting the habitat diversity of the region.

The programme concluded with breakfast and refreshments at the centre. This informal session transitioned into a reflective dialogue, where students shared key observations, discussed species identification challenges, and articulated their learning outcomes from the broader project journey. The advanced field immersion thus served not only as a reward for academic excellence but also as a reinforcement of ecological literacy and conservation responsibility among emerging young birdwatchers.