2026-02-24

Against the tranquil backdrop of mist-laden paddy fields, the second batch of top-performing students from the Wings of Awareness project gathered for their advanced bird-watching field experience at the Kadappooru Bird Study Centre, a serene ecological hub managed by the Winds Park Society. Nestled amidst wetlands, streams, and expansive agricultural landscapes, the centre serves as a living classroom — fostering conservation awareness, biodiversity research, and community-based environmental education.

As the Wings of Awareness project, implemented by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and supported by the Buimerc India Foundation, progresses into its second phase, a select group of high-performing students gathered for this specialised field experience. Chosen for their consistent engagement and analytical accuracy on the CROW App, these students arrived not merely as participants, but as young observers ready to refine their field skills.

The session commenced with an informative introduction to the sanctuary by Dr. Punnen Kurian, who outlined the ecological significance of the site and set the context for the day’s field exploration. This was followed by a formal welcome address delivered by the members of the Winds Park Society.

The representatives present on the occasion included Shri Baby Joseph, Shri Biju Joseph, Shri P. T. Somashekaran, Shrimathi Tina Maliyekal, Shri G. Gopakumar, Shri Libumon, Shri Joshy Joseph, Shri Bibin Mathew, and Shri Biju Kollappalli, whose presence underscored the Society’s continued support for conservation-oriented educational initiatives.

 As a proud recognition of their achievement, the students were presented with T-shirts and caps sponsored by Buimerc India Foundation — a visible symbol of their commitment to learning and conservation.

The trail was led by bird-watching expert Ajayan Kumar M.N., alongside Project Officer Suhaana and Project Intern Vinodini S., with the valuable support of the accompanying teachers: Sandeep S. Nair and Aradhi teacher from Mattakkara HSS, and Ambily teacher from Crossroads School. Their collective guidance ensured that the experience was both educational and engaging.

As the group moved along Vattukulam trail filled with paddy fields and streams, the students demonstrated attentiveness and growing expertise. Their discussions reflected familiarity with species behaviour, habitat preferences, and identification markers. By the conclusion of the session, 46 bird species had been documented. Barn Swallows skimmed swiftly across the open fields, Indian Rollers flashed their vivid blue as they darted between perches, while an array of wetland birds — including Purple Herons, Cattle Egrets, Black-headed Ibises, and other heron species — stood poised along the marshes, enriching the landscape with their presence. A particularly engaging moment was the sighting of a Baya Weaver’s nest — an intricate structure that sparked conversations about nesting behaviour and adaptation.

The morning concluded with breakfast and refreshments at the centre, where reflections on sightings seamlessly transitioned into broader discussions on conservation and habitat preservation. The session was not merely a field visit, but a refined learning experience — strengthening observation skills, fostering ecological sensitivity, and reinforcing the project’s objective of nurturing informed and capable young naturalists.