2025-10-22

The Ornithology Field Study under the Wings of Awareness —an initiative of the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) conceived and supported by Buimerc India Foundation.—offered students from HSS & VHSS Brahmamangalam an enriching day of experiential learning in nature. Designed to cultivate ecological consciousness among young learners, the program emphasizes hands-on engagement and outdoor exploration to spark curiosity, enhance observation, and nurture respect for natural habitats. The project is implementing across 20 schools in Kottayam District, engaging around 1,000 students and 60 teachers.

The session took place at Thuruthumma, a serene stretch of paddy fields interspersed with marshlands that provided an ideal setting for bird observation. The program was facilitated by the TIES core team—Mr. Sarath Babu, Ornithology expert and Nature Education Officer, and Ms. Suhaana, Project Officer for the Wings of Awareness program—whose expertise brought depth and enthusiasm to the learning experience. The event was also graced by Ms. Geethumol, representing the Buimerc India Foundation, who attended as a witness for the organization, reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to advancing environmental education.

The day commenced with a live demonstration of the CROW (Children's Resources for Ornithology and Wilderness)  app by Ms. Suhaana. Through an interactive presentation, she guided the students on how to record and upload bird data, navigate various features of the app, and utilize it for bird identification and tracking. The demonstration emphasized how their collected observations contribute to larger citizen science efforts, while also serving as a basis for recognizing the most active participants within the Wings of Awareness program.

Nearly the entire group of selected students participated, with only two absentees. Those present enthusiastically engaged in identifying various bird species, showcasing keen observation and teamwork throughout the activity. Memorable sightings included the elegant female Asian Paradise Flycatcher, colourful Bee Eaters, the sprightly Ashy Prinia, nimble Little Cormorant, majestic Purple Heron, cheerful Red Whiskered Bulbul, and the swift Barn Swallow. Each encounter was accompanied by valuable on-field guidance from the trainers, helping students recognize species-specific traits, vocalizations, and behaviours.

The smooth execution of the session was made possible by the dedicated support of teacher coordinators Ms. Sajitha T.P. and Mr. Vishnu Ambujakshan, whose preparation and encouragement ensured the program’s success. Their active involvement served as a strong motivator, inspiring students to engage deeply with their field experience.

The field study concluded with an interactive reflection session, where students shared their observations and personal highlights from the day. The activity not only enhanced their bird identification and documentation skills but also empowered them to contribute meaningfully to local biodiversity monitoring through the CROW app—transforming learning into active environmental stewardship.