2025-10-08

The Wings of Awareness programme, an educational initiative of the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation, conducted a bird-watching session at Mattakkara Higher Secondary School in Kottayam district, Kerala. Designed to foster deeper engagement with the natural environment, the activity offered students a chance to observe birdlife thriving around their own campus and encouraged them to connect more closely with the biodiversity in their daily surroundings. The project is implementing across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

The event began with an informative introduction by ornithology resource person Mr. Sarath Babu (Nature Education Officer at TIES) , who spoke to students about the significance of patience, discipline, and ethical behaviour in bird watching. Drawing on his expertise, he offered practical tips for identifying birds and observing wildlife in a responsible manner. This set the stage for an engaging and respectful field session.

During the guided nature walk, several bird species were observed, including:Plum-headed parakeet,White rumped munia,Pale billed flowerpecker, Black headed ibis. The session encouraged students to sharpen their observation skills and to discover a side of their everyday surroundings they may have previously overlooked. 

The technological dimension of citizen science was also introduced, as Ms. Megha MM , Communication Officer,TIES, demonstrated the real-time use of the CROW (Children's Resources for Ornithology and Wilderness) app for documenting bird sightings. Students learned how to record their observations digitally and discovered the value of sharing their contributions for larger conservation efforts.

At the close of the session, students and coordinators gathered for a commemorative group photo, followed by refreshments and the informal exchange of reflections. The bird watching initiative at Mattakkara HSS not only provided beginners with the skills for field identification but also inspired them to begin their journey as environmentally responsible citizen scientists.