2026-10-12

As part of the ongoing environmental outreach project "Wings of Awareness"—a joint conservation initiative by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and the Buimerc India Foundation—Junior Baselios English Medium School, South Pampady, hosted a specialized campus birdwatching session and citizen science workshop.

A selected group of 26 students undertook a comprehensive survey of the avian fauna within the school premises. Renowned Ornithologist Mr. Ajaya Kumara M. N. served as the primary field expert, training participants in systematic bird identification techniques, behavioral observation, and acoustic call analysis.

To introduce modern ecological data collection methodologies, TIES Project Officer Arathi Sasidharan conducted a practical orientation on the CROW App. Through this interactive session, students gained direct experience in recording real-time field observations, enabling them to contribute validated biodiversity data to regional monitoring efforts as student citizen scientists.

The field assessment of the campus green space resulted in the documentation of 21 distinct avian species, with key species including: Jungle Owlet, Grey Wagtail, Green Bee-eater, etc. 

The academic event was organized under the patronage of School Manager Advocate Siju K. Isaac. Faculty members Bijil Benny, Archana, and Sajna accompanied the students and oversaw event logistics throughout the session. By converting the institutional landscape into an experiential learning site, the initiative successfully strengthened environmental awareness and promoted practical wildlife conservation among the student body.