2026-10-14

"I was amazed to realize just how many chirping sounds were surrounding us all along, and that we can actually identify different birds just by listening to their calls," shared Azhar Muhammed, a 9th-standard student, capturing the wonder of discovering nature with new ears. This memorable realization unfolded under the banner of "Wings of Awareness"—a joint conservation and environmental education program organized by the Tropical Institute of Ecological Sciences (TIES) and Buimerc India Foundation.

A cohort of 42 students from KSM BHS Karakkad focused their field investigation on the vibrant stream habitats meandering near Karakkad for a dedicated wetland bird monitoring exercise. Serving as the primary field expert, Ornithologist Manju Mary Cherian introduced the group to key methods of stream-side birding, training participants to spot well-camouflaged species along watercourses and decipher complex territorial calls.

Enhancing the outdoor experience with modern conservation tools, TIES Project Officer Arathi Sasidharan conducted an interactive session on the CROW App. Students received practical instruction on capturing geospatial sighting data digitally, allowing them to instantly register their observations and contribute to ongoing regional biodiversity mapping as citizen scientists.

The survey along the freshwater margins proved highly productive, resulting in a compiled list of 17 bird species, featuring specialized aquatic-edge inhabitants alongside common local residents, including the white-browed wagtail and the grey wagtail.

The field venture was carried out with strong organizational direction from Headmaster Anas PK. Accompanying teachers Sneha Ephrem and Nifana Navas supervised student groups and ensured smooth execution throughout the field trail. By turning local aquatic corridors into engaging spaces for scientific discovery, the program deepened the students' appreciation for delicate stream ecosystems and regional wildlife heritage.