2026-09-30

As part of the ongoing environmental outreach initiative “Wings of Awareness,” a joint project of the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and Buimerc India Foundation, students of VJOM UP School, Puthuppally, participated in an immersive outdoor birdwatching and ecological field session.

A group of 47 students visited the scenic Angaadi Theeram View Point, Puthuppally, where expert ornithologist Mr. Ajaya Kumara M. N. introduced them to practical birdwatching techniques, including identifying flight patterns and recognising bird calls. TIES Project Officer Ms. Arathi Sasidharan also conducted a hands-on session on the CROW App, helping students record their observations digitally and contribute to biodiversity documentation as citizen scientists.

The diverse wetland habitat offered sightings of several bird species, including the Bronze-winged Jacana, Ashy Woodswallow, Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Oriental Darter, Grey-headed Swamphen, and Black-rumped Flameback, along with several other common wetland and woodland birds.

The session was supported by Headmistress Ms. Raichal George and teacher coordinators Ms. Jency, Ms. Sanitha P., and Ms. Rosena Baby, who coordinated the students and field activities. The experience helped connect classroom learning with direct observation of the local wetland ecosystem, encouraging greater awareness and appreciation of biodiversity among the young learners