2025-10-17

A bird watching session was organized at Mary Matha Public School as part of the Wings of Awareness programme implemented by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation. The initiative aims to foster environmental awareness among school students by introducing them to bird watching and nature observation as engaging, hands-on learning experiences. The project is implementing across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

The session began with an introductory briefing by Ms. Suhaana, Project Officer of Wings of Awareness, who spoke to the students about the ethics of bird watching. She emphasized the importance of patience, silence, and respect for wildlife while observing birds in their natural habitats. Her session helped set the tone for a responsible and mindful exploration of the surroundings.

The bird watching activity took place around the school campus, which is characterized by a forest-like landscape surrounded by rubber trees, providing a suitable habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Both students and teachers participated with great enthusiasm, displaying keen interest and curiosity throughout the program. They actively engaged in spotting and identifying different species, guided by the trainer’s insights and explanations.

During the session, the participants observed an impressive 26 species of birds, including the Shikra, Brahminy Starling, Green Warbler, Jungle Owlet, Black-hooded Oriole, Loten’s Sunbird, Ashy Woodswallow, among several others. The diversity of species spotted around the campus highlighted the ecological richness of the area and offered students a rewarding glimpse into local avian life.

A special mention goes to Ms. Manju Mary Cherian, the school’s teacher coordinator, whose expertise in birds and nature greatly enhanced the quality of the session. Her insightful inputs and enthusiasm added depth to the learning experience, making the program even more engaging and memorable for the students. Additionally, the contribution of the two assisting teachers, Ms. Priya and Ms.Parvathi ,who diligently managed the students and supported the smooth conduct of the event, played a key role in ensuring its successful completion.

Overall, the bird watching session at Mary Matha Public School served as a meaningful and engaging component of the Wings of Awareness programme—encouraging young minds to become active observers of nature and ambassadors of environmental conservation.