2026-02-24

The fourth group of top-performing students under the Wings of Awareness project participated in their advanced bird-watching field session at the Kadapoor Bird Study Centre. Students from S.K.M High School Kumarakom, Excelsior English School Illickal, St. Joseph CGHS Kottayam, Mount Mary Public School Maalam, and M.G.M High School Pampady were part of this final enrichment activity conducted in the tranquil wetland landscape of Kadapoor.

Wings of Awareness, an environmental education initiative implemented by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) with the support of the Buimerc India Foundation, organised this advanced session as the concluding field component of the project. The programme was designed as a recognition-based engagement for students who demonstrated excellence in systematic bird observation and digital documentation. As an appreciation of their achievement, the selected participants were presented with project T-shirts and caps.

The session commenced with introductory remarks by Mr. Ajaya Kumar M.N., who highlighted the objectives and impact of the project. Representatives of the Winds Park Society, the management body of the Kadapoor Bird Study Centre, extended a formal welcome and reiterated their continued support for conservation-oriented educational programmes.

Prior to entering the Vattukalam trail, ornithology expert Mr. Sarath Babu (TIES) briefed the students on field ethics, observation protocols, and safety guidelines to ensure disciplined and scientifically oriented documentation. The field visit was also attended by Project Officer Suhaana, along with accompanying teachers: Praseetha P. R. and Hari P. P. from S.K.M High School Kumarakom; Mary Lima and Headmistress Sumina K. John from St. Joseph CGHS; and Sajana Jayaraj and Sheeba Shibu from Excelsior English School Illickal.

The field observations began along the margins of the paddy fields, where students recorded notable sightings including Grey-headed Swamphens actively foraging. Elusive Pheasant-tailed Jacanas were spotted within the wetland vegetation, while Black-headed Ibises, Purple Herons, and cormorants were observed in flight and at rest. As the group progressed along the trail, Zitting Cisticolas were seen moving swiftly across the fields, and students experienced a close and clear sighting of a Common Kingfisher. The session concluded near an active cluster of Baya Weaver nests, providing an opportunity to observe nesting behaviour and colony structure. A total number of 56 different species of birds were observed by the team.

The programme concluded with breakfast and refreshments at the centre. During this time, students engaged in reflective discussions, sharing key sightings and recounting their learning experiences throughout the project.