2026-10-17

"This birdwatching program has been a wonderful and adventurous experience for us," shared Sivapriya, a 6th-standard student from St. Michael’s HS Kudavechoor, capturing the excitement of the field trip. Reflecting on the session, she added, "Earlier, we didn't pay much attention to the birds around us or know their names, but coming here has helped us observe them closely, learn so much more, and even write down our thoughts and observations."

This immersive outdoor exploration took place along the scenic banks of Vembanad Lake in Kudavechoor, organized under "Wings of Awareness"—a joint environmental education and conservation program by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and Buimerc India Foundation.

A dedicated group of 32 students ventured into the rich lakeside ecosystem to conduct a comprehensive birdwatching and field survey. Expert Ornithologist Sarath Babu led the young participants through the coastal terrain, imparting valuable insights into wetland bird behaviors, field identification techniques, and ecological conservation.

To blend wildlife observation with modern technology, TIES Project Officer Arathi Sasidharan conducted an interactive demonstration of the CROW App. Students received practical training on recording real-time field data digitally, empowering them to actively log species sightings and contribute to regional biodiversity mapping as student citizen scientists.

The field survey along the shores of Vembanad Lake proved exceptionally rewarding, resulting in a remarkable count of 29 bird species. The participants observed an impressive array of wetland and raptor species, with notable highlights including: Black Kite, Brahminy Kite, Lesser Whistling Duck, and Greater Cormorant. 

The educational expedition was smoothly coordinated with the dedicated support of accompanying teacher Priyanka. By bridging classroom learning with direct exposure to rich natural aquatic ecosystems, the program successfully inspired a deep appreciation for local biodiversity and environmental stewardship among the students.